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I LreRAllY OF GON(}RKSS. J 




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I UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. | 



4. 






EXTRACTS 



FROM THE MEMORANDUMS 



OF 



JANE BETTLE, 



WITH A SHORT MEMOIR RESPECTING HER. 



SECOND EDITION. 



PHILADELPHIA. 

PRINTED BY JOSEPH & WILLIAM KITE. 

1843. 



MEMOIR. 



The writer of the subjoined memorandums, 
was well known to many persons in the religious 
Society of Friends, as a useful and consistent 
member, and an elder whose example was in- 
structive and edifying. It is not intended by the 
present publication to eulogise her character, but 
to magnify the power of Divine grace, which 
made her what she was, and to hold up to view 
the blessed effects of humble, unreserved sub- 
mission to its heavenly visitations, as an en- 
couragement to others, to pursue the same path, 
which led her safely through all the dangers 
and temptations of this checkered life, to a 
peaceful and happy close. 

Her parents, Thomas and Jane Temple, lived 
in Pennsbury, Chester county, Pennsylvania, 
which was the place of her nativity, and where 
she resided until her removal to Philadelphia. 



4 MEMOIR OF 

She possessed by nature a gentle and amiable 
disposition; and under the regulating and sanc- 
tifying power of Truth, she became in after life, 
remarkable for great equanimity and steady 
perseverance in the path of manifested duty. In 
her youthful days, she was subject to the temp- 
tations incident to that interesting period, but 
through the watchful care of her parents, and 
the restraints and checks of the Divine witness, 
was in great measure preserved from yielding 
to them, and enabled to set an example of sobri- 
ety and simplicity to her associates. 

The importance of the duty of obedience to 
parents, was early and deeply impressed on her 
mind ; and though at times it subjected her to 
some crosses, yet the comfort and satisfaction 
she derived from yielding her own views to 
theirs, greatly outbalanced them, and afforded 
her a subject of pleasing retrospection to the 
latest period of life. She thought it right to 
defer to the judgment of her parents, both in 
the choice of her associates and in the style of 
her dress, and felt herself restrained from adopt- 
ing:, in relation to either, a course which thev 
did not fully approve. 



JANE BETTLE. 



Distrustful of her own attainments, she chose 
to hear the sentiments of those of greater reli- 
gious experience than herself, before forming 
her opinion on any important subject, and was 
thus preserved from falling into errors, to which 
the hasty and immature minds of the young are 
prone. 

She recurred, with gratitude and reverent 
thankfulness, to the early visitations of the love 
of God to her soul ; some of which were, in great 
mercy, extended during the morning of child- 
hood, contriting and subduing her spirit, even 
before she was capable of appreciating the 
source whence they originated. Her heart 
being thus softened and tendered, and the love 
of retirement and quiet meditation on serious 
things induced, her ear was opened to the dis- 
cipline of the cross of Christ, and the way pre- 
pared for further manifestations of heavenly 
regard. As she was obedient to little requisi- 
tions of duty which were opened to her view, 
the sweet reward of peace graciously dispensed, 
animated and strengthened her to make greater 
sacrifices, when called for, and trained her to 

that subjection of the will, and mortification of 

1* 



6 MEMOIR OF 

self, which are essential to usefulness in the 
Lord's house. 

On one occasion, when an article of dress 
which she had ordered, was sent home, with 
some needless ornament attached to it, she felt 
uneasy at the thought of wearing it, and after 
some reflection decided not to do it. Althouorh 
the proposed departure from the usual simpli- 
city of her attire was small, yet the faithful 
monitor within, failed not to warn her of the 
danger of the^rs^ deviation ; and the little act 
of obedience which she was thus strengthened 
to perform, was followed by a feeling of peace- 
ful enjoyment which transcends any earthly 
gratification. She was thus settled in the con- 
viction, that however the wise of this world may 
lightly esteem the Christian testimony to plain- 
ness and simplicity, it had its origin in the 
blessed Truth ; and that the due observance of 
it, tends to preserve from many snares of the 
deceiver, and to prepare the mind for the dis- 
charge of other religious obligations. 

Another duty, of which she deeply felt both 
the importance and the advantages, was that of 
diligently assembling for the performance of 



JANE SETTLE. 



Divine worship, and making a public acknow- 
ledgment of dependence upon Almighty God 
for all that we enjoy. It was her concern on 
such occasions, to seek for a qualification to per- 
form that worship which is " in spirit and in 
truth ;" endeavouring to have all obtruding 
thoughts hushed into silence, and her heart 
fixed, trusting in the Lord. The advantage of 
early establishing this practice of frequent v^^ait- 
ing on, and seeking after Him, was conspicuous 
when she was afterwards deprived by sickness 
of the opportunity of attending meetings with 
her friends ; her chamber being then made to her 
a place of Divine communion, where ability was 
vouchsafed to worship before God in the beauty 
of holiness, and to praise and magnify his ever- 
adorable name. 

Behoving herself called to manifest fully on 
whose side she was, she became verv ofuarded 
and circumspect in her deportment and conver- 
sation, and was soon brought into little services 
in religious Society. This awakened fresh con- 
cern, that while acting in the affairs of Truth, 
she might do nothing which would be inconsis- 
tent with the profession she was making, or 



8 



MEMOIR OF 



give occasion to any to speak against that 
cause, which had become more precious to her 
than any earthly consideration. Her tender 
and sympathising feehngs led her to visit the 
sick and the destitute, where her kind and 
assiduous attentions were often very serviceable 
and much endeared her to those who were the 
objects of them. 

In the year 1802, she was married, and re- 
moved to Philadelphia. She entered into the 
various duties of her family with cheerfulness 
and diligence ; manifesting an interest in the 
w^elfare of all around her, and endeavouring, so 
far as was proper, to consult their wishes and 
promote their comfort. She w^as religiously 
watchful over her children, careful to imbue 
their minds with sentiments of love and fear for 
their great Creator, and to train them up in the 
nurture and admonition of the Lord, it being 
her chief desire, that they should serve and 
honour him. Attached from sincere and heart- 
felt conviction to the testimonies of Truth, as 
borne by the Society of Friends, she endea- 
voured to maintain and recommend them by a 
consistent example ; and was concerned that 



JANE BETTLE. 9 

not only her own apparel and that of her chil- 
dren, but also the furniture of the house and 
manner of Hving, should be such as became the 
simplicity and self-denial which the gospel en- 
joins. 

In the treatment of those employed in 
her service, she evinced a kind consideration, 
which won their affection ; while the decision 
and firmness with which she met any departure 
from correct deportment, gave her a ready 
control over them, and secured their respect and 
esteem. 

In her social relations, she was kind, affec- 
tionate and affable ; evincing an innocent cheer- 
fulness in conversation, which she would gene- 
rally try to turn to some instructive topic. She 
was careful to avoid talking of the errors or 
failings of others, being sensible of the delete- 
rious and withering influence of a disposition 
which delights to dwell upon such things ; and 
when it became necessary to speak of them, 
she scrupulously avoided exaggeration or co^ 
louring, and the use of strong language, choos- 
ing rather to speak with moderation, and to do 
full justice to the good qualities of the absent. 



10 



MEMOIR OF 



But when a sense of duty, or the requirements 
of her station in Society, rendered it necessary 
for her to visit those who had erred, she was 
plain and honest in telling them of their faults, 
and tender and persuasive in her efforts to con- 
vince and reclaim them ; and there is ground to 
believe that her Christian labour in this line, was 
often productive of beneficial results, and gained 
for her the regard of the party. 

In the year 1810, she was appointed an over- 
seer of the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Phil- 
adelphia; and in 1814, was chosen to fill the 
weighty and responsible office of an elder. 
The duties thus devolved upon her by the 
church, brought her under much concern and 
exercise, that she might, through Divine assis- 
tance, be enabled to discharge them in a suita- 
ble manner, and her example be such as be- 
comes those who are actively engaged in man- 
aging the affairs of Truth. Her love to the 
cause of Christ, led her cheerfully to devote her 
time and strength to its promotion ; the pros- 
perity of the Society of which she was a mem- 
ber, and its advancement in true religion, being 
objects of the highest interest in her view. 



JANE BETTLE. 11 

Apprehending it required of her to accom- 
pany our friend Elizabeth Robson in her reli- 
gious visit to some parts of the United States, 
in the Tenth month, 1824, she obtained a 
minute expressive of the unity of her Friends 
with the engagement, and was absent from 
home in the service about a year. AUhough 
many privations and difficuhies were incurred 
in the prosecution of this concern, she cheer- 
fully submitted to them, and the retrospect of 
the engagement afforded her solid peace and 
satisfaction. 

She had generally enjoyed good health, until 
the early part of the year 1832, when, during a 
visit to the meetings of Friends in New Jersey, 
under appointment of the Yearly Meeting, she 
perceived symptoms of disease, which often 
subjected her to much suffering. She, how- 
ever, persevered in getting through the journey, 
and soon after its completion, was wholly con- 
fined to the house, which she never left during 
the remnant of her days. 

The same peaceful, quiet submission with 
which she had met former afflictive dispensa- 
tions, marked her daily course, under the 



n 



MEMOIR OP 



wasting and painful effects of this distressing 
malady. It was instructive and animating to 
behold with what easy cheerfulness she would 
receive and converse with her friends, when the 
obvious inroads which the disorder had made 
upon her frame, and her apparent suffering, 
would awaken the commiseration and call forth 
the sympathies of her visiters. But though she 
might truly say with the afflicted patriarch, 
that, as regarded corporeal feelings, " tedious 
days and wearisome nights were appointed 
her," yet the sense of her own sufferings seemed 
lost in the contemplation of Divine mercy and 
goodness, and her heart overflowed with grati- 
tude for the many favours she enjoyed. 

The dropsical swelling of her body rendered 
it difficult for her to lie down, and indeed to be 
comfortable in any position ; yet the habit of 
making the best of her situation, and dwelling 
ralher on the mercies and benefits enjoyed, than 
on the sufferings she underwent, so recon- 
ciled her mind to her allotment, that she was 
generally prepared to enter into cheerful con- 
verse with her friends, and to consult the com- 



JANE BETTLE. 13 

fort of others rather than be anxious respecting 
her own. 

The following memorandums were penned 
during this protracted illness, chiefly upon 
detached scraps of paper, often with no other 
support than her knee, and traced with a faint- 
ness which showed the weak and tremulous 
state of her system. They were not seen by 
any of her family until after her decease, and 
appear to have been designed to record the 
feelings and exercises of her mind, and to com- 
memorate the mercy and goodness of Him who 
was pleased so remarkably to support her, amid 
the pain and languor of disease, in a calm and 
resigned state of mind, and to furnish from time 
to time, that bread which cometh down out of 
heaven, and that living w^ater, which was indeed 
in her " a well of water springing up into ever- 
lasting life." 

In perusing these brief records, since the 
writer of them has passed from her earthly 
trials to the enjoyment of the heavenly crown, 
many who knew and loved her, have derived 
instruction and comfort ; and believing that 
their tendency would be salutary, have express- 

2 



14 MEMOIR OF 

ed the desire that a wider circulation should be 
given them. This desire is now complied with, 
in the hope that they may tend to animate and 
encourage others in treading the narrow path- 
way which leads to everlasting blessedness and 
glory. 

The reader will not fail to perceive that they 
breathe throughout, a deep and abiding sense of 
her own weakness and unworthiness, of the 
continual need of Divine support and assist- 
ance, and the necessity of constant watchful- 
ness and prayer, in order to experience it ; a 
grateful feeling of the mercy and goodness of 
the Lord to her as an individual, and to the 
whole family of mankind, in that wondrous dis- 
play of love Divine, which provided for the 
salvation of a lost world, through the coming, 
sufferings and death of the dear Son of God. 
To those whom it may please an allwise and 
merciful Creator to try with the loss of health, 
and who may in consequence have to languish 
long upon the bed of sickness and suffering, 
these short memorandums may prove a source 
of consolation ; showing in the clearest manner 
that the everlasting arms are underneath to 



JANE BETTLE. 15 

sustain the sincere and hunnble soul, during 
those wearisome and proving seasons ; enabling 
it to rise superior to the frailties and sufferings 
of the earthly tenement, and to rejoice with 
holy joy, when every gratification which this 
world can give is removed far from us, in the 
undoubted evidence that these light afflictions, 
which are but for a moment, will work out for 
those who are rightly exercised thereby, a far 
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, in 
that celestial city, whose walls are salvation 
and her gates praise ; not one of whose inhabi- 
tants can say, " I am sick ; for the people that 
dwell therein are forgiven their iniquities." 



16 



MEMORANDUMS OF 



M E M O R A N D U M S. 



1832. Eighth mo. 28th. I have fervently de- 
sired this day to commemorate the loving kind- 
ness and tender mercies of the Lord my God to 
me, from the days of my early youth to this 
time. Even then did he allure me into the 
wilderness, and gave me a vineyard from thence, 
and the valley of Achor for a door of hope ; 
often speaking comfortably to my soul, and sus- 
taining me with heavenly bread. Faithful and 
true are all the promises of our dear Eord and 
Saviour, Jesus Christ. He hath declared, 
*' Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst 
after righteousness, for they shall be filled." 
This hunger and thirst belong not to the natural 
man, but are produced by the operation of the 
Holy Spirit in the heart, who, as he is submit- 
ted to, will clearly discover to man that he is a 
poor dependent creature, blind and naked, and 
in need of all things. 



JANE BETTLE. 17 

0, who can sufficiently appreciate the con- 
descending mercy and goodness of the Lord our 
Creator, who made man in his own image and 
hkeness, and designed he should be forever 
happy. Even after man, through transgression 
of his righteous command, had fallen from the 
blessed state in which he was originally placed, 
He graciously provided the means of his resto- 
ration, in and through that eternal Word who 
was with God in the beginning, before the 
worlds were made, and who, in due time, took 
upon him a body of flesh, and dwelt among 
men, and at length offered himself a propitia- 
tory sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. 
*' Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, 
be unto Him who sitteth upon the throne, and 
unto the Lamb, forever and forever." 

Twelfth mo. 13. Consolation sprang up 
in my mind this evening in the remembrance of 
the promise, " To this man will I look, even to 
him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and 
who trembleth at my word." When on the 
mount, our dear Redeemer taught his disciples, 
saying, " Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs 

2* 



18 MEiMORANDUMS OF 

is the kingdom of Heaven." " Blessed are 
they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." 
Yea, rich in blessing is the Lord's storehouse, 
can my soul say. 

The present is a season of much bodily infir- 
mity and pain; yet, blessed be the name of our 
merciful High Priest, he is, as he ever was, 
touched with a feeUng of our infirmities. Whilst 
clothed with his humanity, he was a man of 
sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and his 
compassionate regard is still continued to the 
poor and afflicted, who put their trust and con- 
fidence in him. Surely we are bound to bless, 
to praise, and magnify the name of the Lord, in 
every dispensation of his unerring Providence ; 
as well in the day of adversity as in prosperity, 
and to return thanks for the support granted, 
which enables us to endure affliction and pain, 
with quiet resignation. He is perfect in wis- 
dom, and ordereth all things well, according to 
his own counsel. He leadeth us in paths that 
we have not known, and instructeth us in the 
things that belong to our present and everlast- 
ing peace. It is declared in Holy Writ, " Thou 
shalt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is 



JANE BETTLE. 19 

Stayed on thee, because he Irusteth in thee :" 
but how impossible is it for poor man thus to 
stay his mind on the Lord, except he is divinely 
strengthened to watch and pray. 

1833. Third mo. 27th. I desire to thank 
thee, O thou unslumbering Shepherd of Israel, 
for the refreshment granted me in sleep, by 
w^hich the weary tabernacle feels a little revived 
and strengthened. Thy mercies, O Lord, are 
new every morning. What shall I render unto 
thee for all thy benefits ! 

Fourth mo. 1st. Under a feeling of much 
poverty and want, I beg for a crumb of that 
soul-sustaining bread, which can only be 
obtained from the one true and living source, 
Christ Jesus, our Lord. John, c. vi. 47 to 57. 
" Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth 
on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of 
life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilder- 
ness and are dead. This is the bread which 
cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat 
thereof and not die. I am the Hving bread 
which came down from heaven. If any man 



20 



MEMORANDUMS OF 



eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the 
bread that I v^^ill give, is my flesh, which I will 
give for the life of the world." How confirming 
is the testimony of the sacred volume, that the 
blessed Saviour must needs have taken upon 
him a body of flesh, and dwelt among men, thus 
fulfilling the prophecies concerning his coming ; 
showing forth many mighty works; be wor- 
shipped by men and angels, and his divine attri- 
butes acknowledged, — and that all must bow to 
the humble appearance of the babe of Bethle- 
hem. And when the glorious mission assigned 
him by the Father, whilst on earth, was accom- 
plished, he offered up that prepared body, suf- 
fering it to be nailed to the cross, and thereby 
made atonement for the sins of the whole 
world ; being the one great propitiatory sacri- 
fice for the redemption of poor fallen man, who 
has it not in his power to give a ransom for his 
soul. 

12th. Weak in body, yet a little strength is 
afforded to approach him who is the invisible 
and omnipresent One; who graciously conde- 
scends to hear the cry of the needy soul ; and 



JANE BETTLE. 21 

in his own lime will answer even our feeble 
petitions, if we ask not amiss and wait in 
patience. 

23rd. A day of proving mentally, as well as 
in body. Feeble aspirations frequently arise 
for more energy of mind, more fervency of 
spirit, in seeking to have in possession the wea- 
pons of defence against the assaults of my soul's 
enemy. If his power was not limited, he would 
come in like a flood, in low seasons, and prevail 
against us. But thanks be unto the Captain of 
salvation, who was never foiled in battle, he 
furnishes all who ask of Him in faith, with spi- 
ritual weapons, whereby we are able to quench 
all the fiery darts of the wicked. 

25th. When blessed with thy presence, O 
Lord, all that we have is sweet and desirable, 
but in thy absence it becomes loathsome. Thou 
calmest the troubled spirit, and givest true 
peace and holy joy. Thou makest us think 
well of all thy dispensations, and enablest us to 
praise thee in them all. Without thee, the 
highest advantages cannot please long, for to 



22 MEMORANDUMS OF 

make them trulj grateful, thy grace must be 
present, and they must be seasoned with the 
seasonings of thy own wisdom. On reading, 
this day, the above paragraph in the works of 
a Christian author, I thought I could adopt the 
lanoruaffe. 

28th. I have desired this evening that my 
beloved relatives may be enabled to resign me, 
and be prepared for our final parting here. 
I believe the day is fast approaching when ihe 
tenderest ties must be dissolved ; when " the 
dust shall return to the earth as it was, and the 
spirit return unto God who gave it." I desire 
not to think or speak presumptuously, but I 
believe in the assurance I have often felt, that 
poor and unprofitable a servant as I have been, 
an admittance will be granted me into the man- 
sions of everlasting rest. 

Fifth mo. 13th. For the last few weeks, 
unexpected relief from pain and oppression has 
been afforded me. I feel bound to ascribe this 
favour to the great Physician of value, as being 
imparted immediately from Him, not through 



JANE SETTLE. 23 

the medium of medical aid ; although I have 
much to be thankful for in having a kind, sym- 
pathizing and skilful physician. May gratitude 
and praise be offered up to the great Preserver 
of men, on the altar of the heart, for all his mer- 
ciful dealings w^ith me, through my protracted 
illness. 

25th. (First-day.) O, Lord God of infinite 
purity ! permit, I pray thee, dust and ashes to 
approach thy sacred footstool. Thou art gra- 
cious and kind, even unto the rebellious, and 
condescendest to visit and revisit them by thy 
all-pow^erful, inspeaking Word ; bringing under 
condemnation for transgression and sin, and 
bowing the creature low before thee, thou 
Dread of nations. What shall we render unto 
Thee for all thy mercies'? At one comprehen- 
sive glance thou beholdest the different condi- 
tions of all men, and knowest that we all stand 
continually in need of the aid of Him who ever 
liveth to make intercession for fallen man. 
Enable me, O Father, and Fountain of all good, 
to lie low before thee in self abasement, seeking 
my daily supplies from thee. Feed me, I pray 



24 MEMORANDUMS OF 

thee, with food convenient for me, from day to 
day, as thou, in thy wisdom, seest meet. 

Sixth mo. 10th. Be pleased, O Lord, to bow 
down thine ear, and hear my cry. My soul 
longeth to appear acceptably before thee, thou 
all-seeing Judge, who knowest the sincerity of 
all hearts. Grant, O Father, true abasement of 
spirit; create in me a clean heart, and renew 
a right spirit within me. Wash me, O Lord, in 
the laver of regeneration, and, by the influences 
of thy saving grace, keep my heart a fit recep- 
tacle for thy holy Spirit to dwell in. 

15th. Continued cause for grateful acknow- 
ledgment to the Author of my being, for daily 
favours, not merited, but from the loving kind- 
ness of Him who careth for the sparrows. He 
provideth a safe hiding place, where those who 
put their trust in Him, may rest in the day of 
trouble which cometh upon all flesh, and draw 
water from the well of divine consolation, to 
the refreshment of the thirsty soul. 

22nd. For the greater part of the past year, 



JANE SETTLE. 25 

my health has been gradually improving. This 
is altogether unlooked for ; but now, as of old, 
the ways of an all-wise Providence are un- 
searchable, and, to our finite comprehension 
past finding out. My expectation for a long 
season has been, that the clogs of mortality 
were about to be put off, and the day of my 
probation to come to an end. Herein did my 
soul magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoiced 
in the hope, may I not say in the blessed assu- 
rance, of an entrance within the heavenly city, 
whose walls are salvation and her gates praise. 
O, may I be enabled steadily to keep a single 
eye to the captain of my salvation, who teacheth 
the hands to war, and the fingers to fight the 
good fight of faith. And through the few 
succeeding steps of my life, may the enemy of 
my soul's peace never gain the ascendency, or 
by any of his stratagems, draw my mind from 
the narrow and self-denying path, which leads 
to the mansions of everlasting rest. " Enter ye 
in at the strait gate ; for wide is the gate and 
broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and 
many there be that go in thereat. Because strait 
is the gate and narrow is the way that leadeth 

3 



26 MEMORANDUMS OF 

unto life, and few there be that find it." May 
none of us deceive ourselves while walking in 
the broad way, but seriously consider that unless 
we earnestly seek, in the Lord's time, to enter 
in at the strait gate, we shall not be able, when 
once the master of the house riseth up and shut- 
teth the door. 

Seventh mo. 4th. I have had many visits 
from my dear Friends this day ; it is pleasant 
to believe that the good Remembrancer stirreth 
up in the hearts of his children, a tender, sym- 
pathetic feeling for those in affliction, whether 
of body or mind. What a precious cement and 
true union of soul is felt, when friends sit together 
under the canopy of his love. Love remains 
to be the badge of discipleship, and by it the 
followers of the dear Saviour are known ; they 
have fellowship one with another, and their 
fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, 
Jesus Christ. 

19th. Increased bodily infirmity ; and I 
have great necessity for fresh supplies of 
patience, to bear with Christian fortitude the 



JANE SETTLE. 27 

trials attendant on the decay of this earthly 
tabernacle, the tenure of which we hold on very 
uncertain grounds. But how unimportant it is, 
at what period the immortal spirit may be 
dispossessed, if we are earnestly and rightly 
engaged in seeking the house not made with 
hands, eternal in the heavens. May the great 
Master strengthen every drooping soul to 
pursue the work diligently, "while it is called 
to-day, for the night cometh wherein no man 
can work." ' 

24th. My indisposition continues, with op- 
pression, particularly in lying down. I feel 
bound to acknowledge that, through mercy, 
during my protracted illness, I have experienced 
peace and contentment amidst all my afflictions; 
and I am enabled to say, " Not ray will, but 
thine, O Lord, be done," whether my time be 
prolonged a little, or in mercy cut short. I 
desire with gratitude to acknowledge, that 
through many tedious days and wearisome 
nights, my mind has been sustained in peaceful 
quiet, while the poor body suffered ; and the 



38 



MEMORANDUMS OF 



language of my heart is, " Thy rod and ihy staff 
they comfort me." 

29th. Be pleased, O Lord, so to redeem, 
reduce and purify me, that I may become a 
true babe in Christ. Carry on this humiliating 
work from day to day, until it be fully accom- 
plished, that so the account which we must all 
give, in the last day, to thee, the just and 
righteous Judge, may be rendered with joy and 
not with grief. 

Blessed were those virgins who, when the 
midnisrht crv was heard, had oil in their vessels : 
but alas for the foolish, who, had they used the 
same care and diligence as the wise, might 
doubtless have received the same happy wel- 
come before the door was shut. In the parable 
of the talents, how awful is the denunciation to 
the unfaithful servant who said in his heart, 
" Thou art an hard master, reaping where thou 
hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast 
not strewn." 

Eighth mo. 5th. Bowed under a sense of 
my manifold infirmities of body and mind, and 



JANE SETTLE. 29 

the want of daily support under them. My 
desire is to cleave closer to the great Physician, 
the everlasting High Priest of our profession. 
He knovi^eth all our devious wanderings, in 
thought, as well as in word and action, and 
until brought under his holy guidance, we are 
as sheep straying from the fold of rest. There 
is no true rest short of that which is promised 
to the people of God, and this can only be 
obtained by taking up the daily cross, denying 
self, and holding it of no reputation. This is 
hard work to the creature; to renounce self, 
and feel that we owe all to Him who hath 
suffered for us, and that it is of his mere mercy 
we are not consumed. 

19th. One year has now elapsed since my 
confinement to my own habitation, and princi- 
pally to my chamber. During this period, it 
has pleased the Lord, in his inscrutable wisdom, 
to dispense to us a very close and proving 
affliction, in the removal by death of a most 
dutiful and affectionate son. But under the 
consoling belief that, at the close of his short 
but useful life, he was permitted to enter into 

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30 



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everlasting rest, I was strengthened to take the 
cup and drink it, with this feeling renewed upon 
my mind ; " Not my will but thine, O Lord, be 
done." 

26lh. Some tender, and I hope humble feel- 
ings produced, in reflecting that my day on 
earth is lengthened out beyond my expectation ; 
and I may say in great sincerity, that on my 
pillow this morning, my heart's desire above 
every other was, that I might so live during 
each succeeding day afforded me, as not 
to grieve the holy Spirit, either in thought, 
word or action. The Lord graciously conde- 
scended to call me at so early a period in life, 
that like Samuel of old, I scarcely knew who it 
was that called me. But in his adorable mercy 
he continued his calls until he made me to 
understand his voice ; bade me beware of the 
voice of strangers, and strengthened me, from 
season to season, to follow him, by which I 
was prevented from falling into many youthful 
temptations. I was also preserved in a good 
degree of obedience to my dear parents, whose 
care it was to instil into my mind the precepts 



JANE BETTLE. 31 

of the gospel of our blessed Lord and Saviour, 
Jesus Christ. I esteem it a great favour that I 
had parents who were sound in the Christian 
faith and doctrines, lovers of the Holy Scrip- 
tures, and careful to read them to their family 
collected. Jn like manner they read the writings 
of our early Friends, and endeavoured to make 
profitable impressions on the minds of those 
who heard them. This pious care I believe 
was a blessins: to me in earlv life, and imbued 

CD f ^ 

my mind with a love for the Holy Scriptures, 
which remains to the present day. 

Ninth mo. 1st. Gratitude flows in my heart 
this evening for past and present favours. Re- 
lief from bodily suffering has been afforded 
through the kindness of the Physician of value, 
whose tender compassion faileth not. His all- 
pervading eye beholds the afflictions of the 
whole human family. He apportions to each 
one his proper share, and v^^hen his blessed 
design is accomplishhed, the balm of Gilead is 
graciously administered. In adorable mercy, 
his good will to the children of men continues 
the same as it was when he walked among 



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them in person, doing good to their bodies and 
souls ; healing the sick ; cleansing the leper, 
and raising the dead. Oh ! what will not faith 
in his name, which is his powder, do for us, by a 
co-operation, on our part, with the regenerating 
power of the Holy Spirit ; for *' except a man 
be born again, he cannot enter into the kingdom 
of heaven." 

Ninth mo. 7th. There is hidden treasure in 
secret places for those who love and serve the 
blessed Master. They have bread to eat that 
the world knows not of, and joy and peace 
which the world cannot give or take away. 
And although, at seasons, it may be best for our 
spiritual health, to be furnished sparingly with 
this bread, or perhaps it may be withheld for 
a little while, (as it is sometimes found neces- 
sary for the health of the body, that food be 
given in very small portions, and this not always 
of the kind we most desire,) yet it becometh us 
to receive gratefully and cheerfully our allotted 
portion ; and even though our weakness may 
be great, we shall not be permitted to faint ; but 
be enabled in our measure to adopt the language 



JANE BETTLE. 33 

of the Apostle, " I have learned in whatsoever 
state I am, therewith to be content. I know 
both how to be abased, and I know how to 
abound; every where, and in all things, I am 
instructed ; both to be full and to be hungry; 
both to abound and to suffer want." 

22nd. (First-day.) Great difficulty this 
morning in bringing my mind to its true centre : 
w^eakness of body and mind prevails ; yet I 
may, with a degree of thankfulness, acknow- 
ledge, that while the family are gone to the 
place appointed for public worship, 1 have in 
my private chamber, witnessed sweet commu- 
nion of spirit with Him who is omnipresent ; 
who condescends to our weakness, and strength- 
ens us to look toward his holy hill. Through 
this merciful Helper of his poor frail creatures, 
we are permitted to behold with the spiritual 
eye, Jerusalem, a quiet habitation, and a place 
of safety, amid much disquietude which prevails 
in the world. The more the mind is turned 
to look upon Zion, the city of the saints solemni- 
ties, the more the humble, seeking soul becomes 
enamoured with its beauty, and the world 



34 MEMORANDUMS OF 

with all its pomp and splendour, sinks into insig- 
nificance. 

23rd. I desire to render unto thee, thou 
omnipotent Lord God, the tribute of thanks- 
giving and praise for all thy countless mercies : 
ihey are new every morning, and thy compas- 
sions fail not ! In wisdom and in kindness thou 
withdrawest the sensible evidence of thy holy 
presence for a short season, and closely proves 
us. But again, O blessed Jesus, thy sweet voice 
is heard ; our strength is renewed, and we live 
and rejoice in thy presence. 

Tenth mo. 9th. My feelings this morning are 
pensive, from a sense of my own poverty. The 
soil seems barren, I fear from a want of proper 
cultivation. Occasionally something springs 
up which is not profitable but troublesome ; yea, 
burdensome, preventing the growth of the seed 
immortal, and hindering it from taking deep 
root, and spreading its fruitful branches. O, 
what unceasing labour doth it require to keep the 
garden of the heart clear of noxious weeds, that 
nothing hurtful may be permitted to grow there. 



JANE BETTLE. 35 

The place where prayer is wont to be made, 
is the only place of safety for us. We nausl 
come daily to the feet of our blessed Saviour, 
who, when he was asked by one of his disci- 
ples, " Lord, teach us how to pray, as John also 
taught his disciples," answered them, when ye 
pray say, Our Father which art in heaven, &c. 
and so I believe, he ever will teach his humble, 
depending children how to ask, and what to 
ask for. Let us then not faint, but pray always 
with all prayer and supplication, in the Spirit, 
watching thereunto with all perseverance, that 
our warfare may be accomplished, and that the 
Lord's hand may not spare, nor his eye pity, 
until judgment is brought forth unto victory, — 
victory over the transgressing nature. 

10th. A day of solemn reflection. On the 
morning of this day, a year ago, our dear son, 
Edward Settle, closed his earthly course, when 
I trust the prepared spirit, received the welcome 
invitation of " come ye blessed of my Father, 
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the 
foundation of the world." This, I firmly believe, 
was the happy experience of the dear deceased, 



36^ MEMORANDUMS OF 

from the impressive revival of the text at the 
moment of his dissolution ; " Blessed are the 
dead who die in the Lord;" attended with a 
solemn and holy quiet which surpassed expres- 
sion. In this season of close proving, my spirit 
was bowed before the Majesty on high, and in 
the language of Job, I could say, " The Lord 
gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be 
the name of the Lord." 

At that time my own health was very feeble, 
with no expectation of surviving many weeks. 
The prospect was not grievous but joyous; 
having a humble hope, that through the unspeak- 
able mercy and merits of him who laid down 
his precious life for poor man, my sins, both of 
omission and commission, would be forgiven 
me, and my name not be blotted out of the 
Lamb's book of life. But without faith in Jesus 
Christ our Lord, and in his atoning sacrifice, 
we have no ground to hope for a resurrection 
from dead works, nor for a blessed immortality 
when done with time. O, unspeakable gift of 
redeeming love ! Who can fathom it ! 

Thus strengthened of the Lord, I was sup- 
ported through a season of much bodily suffering 



JANE BETTLE. 37 

and exercise of mind ; and my days have been 
prolonged far beyond my expectation, though 
attended with great weakness, and sometimes 
considerable pain and oppression from the nature 
of my disorder. But through every afflictive 
dispensation, I feel bound to commemorate the 
kindness of Him, who dealeth with us as a 
compassionate father dealeth with his children. 
" Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and 
scourgeth every son whom he receiveth ;" and 
this ' acknowledgment is often raised in the 
hearts of his humble, dependent children, " Thy 
rod and thy staff they comfort me." Their 
experience accords with the declaration, that 
although no chastening for the present seemeth 
to be joyous, but grievous, nevertheless after 
wards, it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of right- 
eousness to them who are exercised thereby. 

25th. My strength is decreasing, and the 
prospect of the world to come, is more and 
more desirable. O, for a permanent resting 
place, in the Lord's time, which is the best time. 
Nevertheless, I desire to adopt the language of 

one of his servants formerly ; " All the days of 

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38 MEMORANDUMS OF 

my appointed time will I wait until my change 
come." How much to be desired is this wait- 
ing state. 

Eleventh mo. 8th. Something of the fresh 
feeling of the love of God, shed abroad in the 
heart, has been experienced this afternoon, in 
the remembrance of the oUve leaf plucked ofTby 
the dove, and the bow given as the sign of an 
everlasting covenant, that a general deluge 
should not again overspread the earth. Well 
would it be for man if he was more watchful in 
the day of temptation and trial ; and kept his 
covenants, and performed his vows: then he 
would find that it is only the way of the trans- 
gressor that is hard, and that the Lord's ways 
are pleasantness, and all his paths are peace ; 
and the gracious promise would be verified, 
" Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose 
mind is stayed on thee." 

13th. My soul rejoices in being strengthened 
again to approach thee, thou King of saints, in 
thanksgiving and praises, for mercies past, and 
for the renewed favours of the present day. O 



JANE BETTLE. 39 

Lord ! be thou pleased to preserve through every 
succeeding day of my life, in watchfulness unto 
prayer, that so I may be enabled to draw nigh 
unto thee. 

14th. A day of poverty, but not unaccom- 
panied with desires after spiritual food. May 
the hunger and thirst after righteousness be 
increased. In order to obtain spiritual food, we 
must labour for it day by day ; and I beheve it 
will be found that what we gather to day, will 
not do for the morrow, any more than the 
manna which fell plentifully about the Israelitish 
camp. 

15th. Received a visit from two precious 
spirited friends to day, during which a holy 
quiet was felt to prevail, until the silence was 
broken by one of them, to the refreshment of 
"the inner man." I have long believed, that if 
we were preserved from placing an improper 
dependence upon instrumental means, it would 
not be withheld from us; but that the benefi- 
cent design of our heavenly Father is, that man 
should be the helper of his fellow man. I think 



40 



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the Scriptures of Truth, furnish ample evidence 
of this in a variety of instances. But let us 
beware of a reliance upon the arm of flesh for 
support, and attend to the scriptural injunction, 
" Cease from man, whose breath is in his nos- 
trils, for wherein is he to be accounted of;" 
then shall we experience that Arm which is 
strong, mighty to save and able to deliver, to 
be round about us ; a present help in every 
needful time. 

16th. Notwithstanding I have long been 
deprived of assembling with my friends, for 
social worship, I may say of a truth, I am often 
brought into feeling with them ; particularly 
with the Lord's anointed ministers, who are 
made as mouth to the people, and baptized into 
a feeling of the states to which they minister. 

When the ministers of the gospel of Christ 
wait in their gifts for the immediate influences 
of his Spirit, the word will not return void, 
whether it be in few expressions, or greater 
enlargement, so that all is kept in the pure gift. 
Under this influence, the holy unction will be 
felt by the living members, and be made instru- 



JANE BETTLE. 41 

mental in awakening those who are dead in 
trespasses and sins ; and without it, whatever 
is spoken, whether less or more, will be super- 
ficial, burdensome to the living members, and 
a hurt to the assembly. How precious are 
words fitly spoken ; truly they are as apples of 
gold in pictures of silver. 

I have fellowship also, with the Lord's 
anointed elders, who, as they keep in their gifts, 
are made to feel deeply together, and to drink 
together as of the same cup. That the precious 
cement which accompanies right exercise, may 
increase in all our religious assemblies, is the 
fervent breathing of my spirit. 

Twelfth mo. 2nd. Quietude of mind has 

prevailed through the day, under pain of body. 

I have said in my heart, may such seasons never 

prove a false rest : may I never suppose myself 

so near the haven, that there is no more need 

of watching unto prayer. O, may we seek, 

diligently seek, this happy port, whilst we are 

on our passage over the boisterous sea of the 

present life ; remembering that high winds and 

tossing waves, are directed and controlled by 

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42 MEMORANDUMS OF 

that Almighty Being who bade the waves be 
still, and there was a great calm. " Then are 
they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth 
them into their desired haven." 

8th. A desire has prevailed this day, to 
renew my covenant with the God of my life, 
and to perform my vows. He hath dealt mer- 
cifully with me, all my life long, and I feel 
whilst I write, that I love him, and love to think 
on his holy name. He has brought me through 
heights and depths, and covered my head in the 
day of battle, in some heavy conflicts with my 
soul's potent enemy. When by any of his 
stratagems, the enemy prevails over us, our 
strength diminishes, and his pursuit is closer; but 
thanks to the unconquered Captain of salvation, 
we shall not be left defenceless, if in humble 
reliance we come unto Him. He equips w^ith 
the whole armour of light ; with the shield of 
faith, the breastplate of righteousness ; and for 
an helmet, the hope of salvation. What advanta- 
ges has the follower of the Lord Jesus, although 
he be led in the w^ay of the cross ! 



JANE BETTLE. 43 

18lh. I have many favours to recount day 
by day ; and it is not the least, to be made 
sensible that temptation assails us in every 
condition of life. If this conviction is permitted 
to have due place in the mind, a blessing may 
be found in it, even by those whose hearts are 
hum.bled under the influence of Divine power, 
and so reduced as to say in sincerity," " Not my 
will but thine, O Lord, be done." For notwith- 
standing we may have advanced thus far in the 
Christian path, we are not therefore released 
from renewed assaults of the cunning, subtle 
serpent, who is never weary in his attempts to 
discover an avenue, whereby he may enter and 
disturb our peace of mind. But the power of 
Satan is hmited ; he can only tempt, he cannot 
force man to yield to his devices ; therefore let 
us give thanks and take courage, putting our 
whole confidence in that omnipotent Arm which 
is ever extended for the support of all those who 
trust therein. 

24th. O thou inexhaustible Source and 
Fountain of all good ; keep me, I pray thee, in 
a state of daily watchfulness, so that I may be 



44 MEMORANDUMS OF 

enabled to follow thee in the regeneration ; for 
without this, dearest Lord, I am made sensible 
that all pretensions to discipleship, will do 
nothing for me in the day of awful decision, 
when the sentence will be heard, depart, ye 
cursed into everlasting fire ; or the invitation, 
come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the king- 
dom prepared for you. Blessed be thy name, 
thou King of glory, who descended from thy 
Father's throne, and unto whom all judgment 
is committed, as well as the remission of sins ; 
thou eternal Word ; one with the Father, who 
art from the beginning, and by whom the worlds 
were made. Be pleased to fulfil thy own 
gracious promises, when about to return to 
heaven, *' I will not leave you comfortless. I 
will come again unto you ; lo, I am with you 
always, even unto the end of the world." 

1834. First mo. 1st. Strengthen me to draw 
near to thee, thou Rock of ages, from whom 
the pure waters of life issue, refreshing the 
weary traveller in his wilderness journey. Thou 
alone art the well spring of eternal life : thou 
who condescended to instruct the woman of 



JANE SETTLE. 45 

Samaria, teach me also to obtain from thee the 
living water that springeth up into everlasting life. 
Though sensible of poverty, and the want of 
more gratitude for manifold blessings, spiritual 
and temporal, I desire lo offer, on the altar of 
the heart, thanksgiving and praises for unmer- 
ited favours, unto Him who giveth liberally 
and upbraideth not. My mind is often led to 
consider how bountifully we are cared for, and 
sustained through every conflict of body and 
mind. Invaluable indeed is the instruction given 
us to dig deep, and to lay the foundation of our 
spiritual building on the Rock, so that when 
wind, rain and storms beat against the house, 
it may not fall, because it is founded on a Rock, 
even Christ Jesus, the Rock of ages. 

No date. Weak in body and mind ; yet I 
desire with gratitude to acknowledge the 
unspeakable loving kindness of our God, in that, 
whilst we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, 
that through him we might have hfe, and have 
it more abundantly. 

Eleventh mo. 19th. I have feh a renewed 



46 MEMORANDUMS OF 

desire that the remnant of my days may be 
spent in obedience to the inspeaking voice of 
the Shepherd of Israel. He alone must be rehed 
upon for guidance through this vale of tears : 
thanks be unto Him for his merciful preserva- 
tion thus far. 

1835. First mo. 1st. Sickness still confines 
me to my chamber, in which, through weakness 
of body and poverty of spirit, I have passed 
some tedious days and wearisome nights ; yet 
with gratitude of heart, I desire to acknowledge 
Divine favour, having found the holy Arm 
underneath for support. 

Fifth mo. 3rd. The past week has afforded 
time for quiet reflection. I esteem it a favour 
to have had so good an account of our late 
yearly meeting ; it is said to have been a large 
and solemn assembly. Good indeed is the Lord 
to his church and people. May we in truth be 
of the number of his travailing, exercised chil- 
dren, notwithstanding the grievous revolt of 
many who were once considered to be of Israel. 
May the militant church continue to travel 



JANE SETTLE. 47 

onward, until she cometh out of the wilderness, 
" fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terri- 
ble as an army with banners." 

31 St. Blessed be the Shepherd of Israel, who 
watches over his flock by day and by night, 
and keepeth in safety those who put their trust 
in him. Temptation may assail us, and fears 
arise, lest one day or other we shall fall as by 
the hand of Saul, yet as we strive to have on 
the shield of faith, the breastplate of righteous- 
ness, and the helmet of salvation, we shall be 
kept in safety. O may I cleave close to the 
heavenly Shepherd, the source of preservation, 
seeing there is no other name under heaven, 
given among men, whereby we must be saved, 
but by the name of Jesus. 

Ninth mo. 1st. I have said in my heart, the 
Lord is good, for his mercy endureth forever : 
He still condescends to visit those who can say, 
I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under 
my roof. O what shall we render unto thee for 
all thy benefits. 

Ninth mo. 6th. (First-day.) thou mer- 



48 MEMORANDUMS OF 

ciful and compassionate High Priest, be pleased 
to look down upon me from heaven, thy 
dwelHng-place, and, if consistent with thy 
holy will, cause me daily to feel thy life-giving 
presence. 

Tenth mo. 5th. Sensible in some degree of 
the continuance of the Lord's love and mercy 
to me ; his heavenly regard is still felt, and his 
omnipotent arm is round about me, which ever 
proves a support to those w^ho confide in it. The 
arm of flesh availeth little, proving but a broken 
reed to those that lean upon it. Many look 
to the world for what they call pleasure or 
comfort, when in truth there is no substantial 
comfort in mutable things. It is in thee alone, 
O Lord, and in the strength that thou affordest, 
that we are enabled to stand in moments of 
weakness, and in the hour of temptation. 

Tenth mo. 20. I have been led to admire the 
great favour conferred on one so undeserving 
as I am, in the remembrance that during more 
than three years which have elapsed since my 
confinement to the chamber by ill health, faith 



JANE BETTLE. 4& 

and hope have been afforded so as to keep down 
the spirit of murmuring. Of ourselves, we can 
do nothing. O for strength to continue wrestling 
for the blessing of preservation. I have often 
derived instruction and encouragement from 
reading the account of good old Jacob wrestling 
with the angel through a whole night season ; 
and it is said in that best of books, " I said not 
unto the seed of Jacob, seek ye me in vain." 

Eleventh mo. 21st. Humbled under a sense 
of my entire inability even to think a good 
thought, unaided by thee, thou Fountain of all 
good ! Be pleased in thy matchless love and 
mercy to keep me watchful, that I enter not 
into temptation. 

1836. First mo. 1st. In the course of the 
past year, many of my fellow travellers from 
time to eternity, have been summoned to appear 
before the judgment seat of Christ, there to 
give an account of the deeds done in the body, 
whilst I am permitted to remain a little longer. 
May I labour with all diligence to make my 

5 



50 MEMORANDUMS OP 

calling and election sure, before I go hence 
and am seen of men no more. Time is very 
uncertain to every age ; the young as well as 
the old, are liable to the stroke of death. Life 
hangs on a very slender thread, and even those 
who are counting on many days of prosperity, 
may, as in the twinkling of an eye, be called 
away. 

Third mo. 20th. Thou, O Lord, art the same, 
yesterday, to-day, and forever ; thy faithfulness 
faileth not. I have great cause to speak of the 
Lord's goodness in sustaining me, through a 
protracted indisposition. I have seen his 
wonders in the deeps, and have said. What am 
I, that I should be thus cared for, who am so 
unworthy of his notice. Yet I am at seasons, 
in his mercy, permitted to partake of his 
sustaining bread. May I continue to receive 
this heavenly favour, whilst here, and at last be 
found worthy of the lowest place in his glorious 
habitation, when time shall be no longer. 

Eighth mo. 10th. The Lord is good to the 



JANE SETTLE. 51 

workmanship of his hand, my soul can say. 
He continues to manifest his life-giving presence 
to me, a poor, unworthy creature. Lord, 
feed me with food convenient for me. If thou 
givest me the bread of adversity to eat, and the 
water of affliction to drink, may I be content 
therewith; and when thou hidest thy face for a 
season, suffer not the deceiver, I pray thee, to 
destroy the hope of thy return. 

11th. Favoured this evening with solemn 
quiet, in which the spirit of supplication was, I 
think, livingly felt, with thanksgiving for past and 
present favours ; earnestly craving that every 
succeeding day of my life may be spent in 
watchfulness, and fear of offending my blessed 
Saviour and Intercessor, in thought, word or 
deed. 

Ninth mo. 1st. A song in the night, through 
Divine mercy, is felt to arise to Him, who of 
old had power to make the dumb sing, the deaf 
to hear, the blind to see, and the lame to walk. 
Miraculous power ! which extends to both body 
and mind ; revives the spirit of the weak and 



52 MEMORANDUMS OF 

faint, enabling them to press forward, through 
every crowd of opposition. 

29th. No nnaterial change in my health for 
a year past; and although not free from pain, I 
have each day so many favours to recount, that 
I feel myself undeserving of the one-half of 
them, and am ready to say, Alas for me ! a 
poor backsliding creature. O may I become 
more frequent in prayer, and more fruitful in 
the field of offering. O for more ardency of 
spirit in steadily pursuing the journey heaven- 
ward ; seeing time here is very uncertain, and 
there is no work or device in the grave where- 
unto we are hastening. 

Eleventh mo. 7th. In my w^akeful hours in 
the night season, prayer for preservation was 
offered up to the Lord on high, who condescends 
to hear the cry of the poor and needy ; with 
thanksgiving and praises for past and present 
favours. May my heart be purged from all the 
dross, the tin, and the reprobate silver, and be 
made a fit receptacle for the Lord of glory to 
dwell in. It is by the powerful operation of his 



JANE BETTLE. 53 

Word, which is as a fire and a hammer, that the 
heart of man is made pure ; and well may we 
exclaim, " Who shall abide the day of his com- 
ing." 

21st. I have now entered my 64th year; an 
age I little expected to attain, when first con- 
fined to my chamber : but the Lord alone knows 
what is best for us, poor finite beings, and how 
to dispose of us. I desire daily to keep in view 
my entire inabihty, of myself, to think a good 
thought, to do a good act, or to obtain one 
crumb of heavenly bread : yet how good, how 
merciful is our great High Priest, the Lord 
Jesus Christ. He administers to all our wants, 
when we ask as poor dependent suppliants ; and 
thus it becomes us to ask, remembering that 
every good we receive is from his bountiful 
hand. 

1837. First mo. 22d. How beneficent and 
kind is the heavenly Shepherd. He supplies 
the wants of all those who come unto him ask- 
ing for bread ; yes, even of those who are un- 
deserving of the least of all his favours. May 

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54 MEMORANDUMS OF 

I ever be a grateful receiver of the Lord's 
unmerited favours. His matchless mercy has 
been extended to me, preserving me from utterly 
falling, and arming me against the assaults of 
Satan, the accuser of the brethren, who is ever 
ready to cast dovv^n or to exalt. But blessed 
forever be the name of the Lord, in him there 
is everlasting saving help. He makes a path 
through the sea, enabling those who put their 
trust in Him, to sing praises on the banks of 
deliverance. Let us remember this world is not 
the place of our rest ; we must press forward 
with undiminished ardour, if we would reach 
the promised land, the heavenly Canaan. 

Second mo. 28th. The watch must be 
strictly kept, to exclude obtruding thoughts, 
which are calculated to prevent our waiting 
upon God in the silence of all flesh, wherein the 
soul is enabled, in humble prostration, to ofl^er 
up adoration and praises to Him who liveth 
forever and ever. Something of this precious 
feeling has been vouchsafed this evening, for 
which I desire to be thankful. May the Lord 
be pleased to humble me from day to day, that 



JANE SETTLE. 55 

a sense of his goodness may be felt, and the 
work of the soul's salvation go forward. 

Third mo. 11th. The fervent breathing of 
my spirit is, that I may be preserved day by 
day, in patience and quietude of mind, trusting 
in the Lord alone, who has helped me hitherto, 
giving songs of praise to his ever excellent 
name. Be it mine to keep up the watch unto 
prayer. 

25th. Although weakness and poverty are 
my clothing, a desire after more purity of heart 
is felt. Watch and pray lest ye enter into 
temptation, said our blessed Saviour ; and with 
the command, he gives the strength to fulfil it. 
What a weight of obligation rests upon me, a 
poor unworthy worm of the dust, for all thy 
benefits, Lord. Be thou pleased to continue 
thy unmerited mercies to me, as in days past, 
yea, even from the days of my youth. 

Fourth month, 1 6th. Many of our beloved 
Friends are now with us, from the different 
quarters of our Yearly Meeting. Not a few of 



,56 MEMORANDUMS OF 

those who were members of the miUtant church, 
have, since the occurrence of the last annual 
solemnity, become members, I humbly hope, of 
the church triumphant. Ah, blessed state ! to 
have their names written in the Lamb's book of 
life, and to be forever singing praises to Him. 

Fifth mo. 11th. My heart's desire and pray- 
er is, that all the workmanship of the Divine 
Hand mav become obedient to his will ; and that 
our wills may be brought, not in part only, but 
entirely^ into subjection to the Lord's blessed 
will, whose design is, that man should be happy 
in time and in eternity. 

28th. Thy goodness, O Lord, has passed 
before me, this day, in the fresh remembrance of 
unmerited favours conferred upon me, from 
childhood to the present time. In low seasons, 
when faith and hope seemed almost ready to 
fail, the secret language has been, *' Fear not, 
for I am with thee ; be not dismayed, for I am 
thy God : I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help 
thee ; yea, I will uphold thee with the right 
hand of my righteousness." 



JANE BETTLE. 57 

Sixth mo. 18th. " When I consider the 
heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and 
the stars which thou hast ordained ; what is 
man that thou art mindful of him, and the son 
of man that thou visitesthim? Thou hast made 
him a Httle lower than the angels, and crowned 
him with glory and honour." This quotation 
sweetly revived in my mind, and I said. What 
am I, O Lord, that thou art mindful of me ; that 
thou continuest to supply me with a crumb from 
thy all-bountiful hand ? May I return unto 
thee thanksgiving and praise, which are thy due, 
now, henceforth and forever. 

Seventh mo. 16th. On First-day evening, 
with the assistance of my dear husband, I 
walked down into the parlour, and from thence 
into the garden ; this I have not been able to 
accomplish before for five years. How unlooked 
for, that my time should be thus prolonged, 
whilst many, in the prime of life and usefulness, 
have been taken from the field of labour, to 
their perpetually abiding habitation. The ways 
of the Almighty are a great deep, past finding 
out by human wisdom. " The world by wis- 



58 MEMORANDUMS OF 

dom knows not God." How needful is it for 
poor frail man, day by day, to pray fervently 
for heavenly bread to sustain him in the journey 
through the wilderness of this w-orld to the 
New Jerusalem, that holy city, not one of whose 
inhabitants can say, " I am sick." Notwith- 
standing my strength is a little increased, I do 
not count upon a long continuance here ; and 
can truly say, the desire of my heart is to be 
resigned to the Divine will, and to be found 
daily begging for heavenly food ; for this, and 
this only, can nourish the soul, and bear it up in 
the day of trial. 

Ninth mo. 9th. Weak and depressed : the 
desire of my heart is poured forth unto thee, 
O Lord, that thou wouldst be pleased to bow 
down thy gracious ear, and hear my feeble 
petition. Enable me, I pray thee, to bow at 
thy footstool, and in remembrance of thy long 
continued and tender mercies, to render unto 
thee the tribute of thanksgiving and praise, now 
and forevermore. 

Tenth mo. 17th. We may very possibly 



JANE BETTLE. 59^ 

persuade ourselves that we are secure, suppos- 
ing the haven is nearly attained ; but alas for 
that individual who relaxes in labour until safely- 
landed on the shores of everlasting rest. O 
may I never cease to labour, short of an entrance 
therein ; praying daily to the Lord, who alone 
can furnish ability to perform his blessed will. 
Yes, he strengthens the w^eak, who feel that 
they have no might of their own. 

25th. How" desirable is quietude ! I speak 
not of that which results from sitting alone, but 
of that which is produced by His power, who 
condescends to speak peace to the tried mind ; 
then, all is stillness, all is quiet ; and that hope 
is sometimes experienced, which is an anchor 
to the soul, both sure and stedfast. 

Eleventh mo. 29th. Great is the work of the 
day : no work so great, so important, as that of 
working out the soul's salvation. This must be 
performed with fear and trembling, lest we fall 
short in the day of final retribution. No man 
can redeem his brother, or by any means give 
a ransom for him : but we know the blessed 



60 MEMORANDUMS OF 

Redeemer laid down his precious life, a ransom 
for all ; he suffered for us, the just for the unjust, 
and unspeakable is the obligation we are under 
for so great salvation. 

Twelfth mo. 18th. May I be favoured this 
morning to partake of a crumb of heavenly 
bread, which alone can sustain the spiritual life, 
and give strength to press toward the mark for 
the prize of the high calling of God in Christ 
Jesus our Lord, who is the author and finisher 
of our faith, and who only can make us victo- 
rious over all our soul's enemies. O blessed 
Lord, if consistent with thy holy will, enable 
me to move forward, leaving the things which 
are behind. 

24th. In reflecting on the life of the righ- 
teous and the blessedness of their latter end, my 
heart's desire for myself and for all my fellow 
creatures is that we may learn in the school of 
Christ ; take up our daily cross and follow him, 
wherever he may be pleased to lead. His true 
followers must be willing to suffer as well 
as to abound : our every day's request ought 



JANE BETTLE. 61 

to be, Lord, feed me with food convenient for 
me. 

1838. First mo. 1st. Just entering a new 
year: how many days, or how few may be 
allotted, is not for me to know; even the 
moments are uncertain. How wise, how 
necessary, to pursue diligently the path of self- 
denial, avoiding every thing that would retard 
my progress heavenward. 

4th. Thou art a covenant keeping God, 
righteous and good; forgiving our trespasses 
and sins, when we come as humble, penitent, 
suppliants, to thy sacred footstool. This lan- 
guage arose in my heart this morning, in 
remembrance of my short-comings and broken 
covenants, in not keeping nearer to the footsteps 
of the flock of Christ's companions. The Lord 
has been good and kind, sustaining me through 
various trials of mind and body, speaking in the 
inmost soul on this wise, " Trust in me, I will 
strengthen thee to hold out to the end of thy 
journey, and rest and peace shalt thou find 
hereafter." 

6 



62 MEMORANDUMS OF 

19th. We are like pilgrims whose faith and 
patience are often at a low ebb, and were it not 
for the gracious condescension of Him who 
regardeth even the sparrows, and whose ever- 
lasting arm is underneath in seasons of drooping 
and dismay, we should be ready to faint : but 
He is strength in weakness to those who put 
their trust in Him, and a present sufficiency 
when w^e are not able to provide for ourselves. 

I can subscribe to the above, knowing from 
a degree of experience, that great is the mercy 
of the Lord to his dependent children, who can 
say in sincerity, " As the hart panteth after the 
water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O 
God." 

First mo. 27th. I have often felt thankful 
for the instruction received from my dear 
parents in early life. I had much to endear 
them to me, and believe I may say without 
boasting, that by the help of my heavenly 
Father, their counsel was in a good degree kept 
to. I did not feel myself at liberty to put on 
apparel or to make choice of associates, without 
their entire approbation ; and I had sometimes 



JANE BETTLE. 63 

V 

to say to my young friends, that in so doing, 
they also would find safety and peace. 

As I advanced in years, the obligation to 
consult them in all my pursuits seemed as 
imperative as ever, being careful not to make 
up my ov^n mind, until I had heard their's; 
which, I believe, was a means of preserving me 
from many follies, and affords me consolation 
to the present day. 

1 have been induced to make this short note, 
hoping it may serve as a watchword to others, 
seeing our grand enemy is continually spread- 
ing his snares to bring into captivity, and would 
if possible, deceive the very elect. But thanks 
to Him who opened the blind eyes and unstop- 
ped the deaf ears, He furnishes with sight, 
whereby we are enabled to discover and escape 
them. 

Second mo. 15th. Be pleased, Lord, to 
extend thy Almighty arm, which can support 
when all within is ready to faint through weak- 
ness of mind and body. This has been the 
breathing of my spirit this morning. It is on 
the Invisible arm only that we can safely lean 



64 MEMORANDUMS OF 

in times of trial. He hath promised to be with 
those who put their trust in Him, even unto the 
end of the world. 

23rd. Our heavenly Father has compassion 
on all the workmanship of his holy hand, help- 
ing us out of our distresses, when in faith and 
patience his time is waited for, which is always 
the best time. We must expect to have tribu- 
lation and sorrow in this world, but we ought 
not to neglect numbering our blessings; for 
what are these light afflictions which are to be 
endured for a short season, compared with the 
joy of an endless life, where the wicked cease 
from troubling, and the weary, wayworn tra- 
veller, is forever at rest. Blessed rest ; never 
to be broken. 

Third mo. 8th. " The Lord is my Shepherd, 
I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down 
in green pastures ; he leadeth me beside the 
still waters. He restoreth my soul ; he leadeth 
me in the paths of righteousness fur his name's 
sake." David, through confidence in the grace 
of God, could use this language. May I live 



JANE BETTLE. 



65 



continually in the fear of the Lord, and not 
grieve the holy Spirit; then will the same 
gracious God, who is no respecter of persons, 
enable me also to say, " Though I walk through 
the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no 
evil ; for thou art with me, thy rod and thy 
staff they comfort me." 

Fourth mo. 14th. This morning the Yearly 
Meeting of ministers and elders assembled, and 
although my bodily infirmities still confine me 
to my chamber, my heart's desire is to be 
gathered in spirit with my beloved friends, who 
are labouring in the Lord's vineyard. The 
harvest truly is plenteous, and the faithful 
labourers few. May the Lord of the harvest 
raise up, even from among the younger class, 
those who may be willing at his command to 
put their hands to the work assigned them, and 
become useful members of our meetings for 
discipline, aiding their elder brethren and sisters 
who have long been burden bearers as in the 
heat of the day. 

20th. This day our annual solemnity was' 
6* 



66 MEMORANDUMS OF 

favoured to get through its important business, 
I am informed, to the honour of Truth and the 
comfort of many minds. May the Lord bless 
the labours of his faithful servants, and qualify 
others to fill their places when they may cease 
from their labours, and their works follow 
them. I have had the company of many 
beloved Friends since the commencement of 
the Yearly Meeting ; and it is truly pleasant to 
find so large a number of the aged, and some 
quite infirm, whose zeal for the promotion of the 
cause of truth and righteousness in the earth 
has not abated, although their bodily powers 
are declining. 

29th. Good is the Lord ; he is kind and 
merciful ; adoration and worship are due to 
him now and forevermore. I have abundant 
cause to speak well of his excellent name. He 
hath covered my head in the day of battle, 
giving me the victory over my soul's enemy. 

Fifth mo. 9th. " Bless the Lord, O my soul, 
and forget not all his benefits." This has been 
the language of my heart this morning, under a 



JANE SETTLE. 67 

sense of our proneness to number our trials, 
and our forgetfulness to number our manifold 
blessings. 

20th. For the past few days I have expe- 
rienced some increase of bodily pain ; but the 
Physician of value, the Lord from heaven, the 
quickening Spirit, if rightly applied to, will heal 
all our maladies of body and mind. 

27th. Alone this morning ; the family are 
gone to meeting. I may with gratitude 
acknowledge that my heart was enlarged in 
love to my fellow creatures, and in prayer to 
God, that they with myself may come as 
humble suppHants to the footstool of our dear 
Redeemer, and be redeemed from all iniquity. 
He can pardon ; yes, in him is power to forgive 
sin, and to blot out our transgressions. O may 
a sense of the goodness and tender mercy of 
the spotless Lamb of God, who laid down his 
precious life for our sakes, make a more endur- 
ing impression on my mind. 

Sixth mo. 3rd. " He that hath no rule over 



68 MEMORANDUMS OF 

his own spirit, is like a city that is broken down 
and without walls." Some of the sayings of 
King Solomon are fraught with instruction ; 
but we have need to seek wisdom of Him who 
giveth liberally, and upbraideth not ; we should 
thus be instructed to watch continually upon 
the walls, that they be not broken down ; for 
while man deserts, or sleeps at, his post, his 
enemies prevail against him. 

10th. Our blessed Saviour, in his memorable 
sermon on the mount, said to the people, " Take 
no thought, saying what shall we eat, or what 
shall we drink, or wherewithal shall we be 
clothed, (for after all these things do the gentiles 
seek,) for your heavenly Father knoweth that 
ye have need of all these things. But seek ye 
first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, 
and all these things shall be added unto you." 
I have entire confidence in the promise that if 
we seek first the kingdom of God, all things 
necessary will be given us. 

Seventh mo. 2nd. I have desired this dav to 
bow myself before the Lord, knowing that he 



JANE BETTLE. ' 69 

heareth prayer, and answereth in his own time, 
for which let me patiently wait. The present 
life is subject to many changes and trials, but 
wheo we are strengthened to look over all, with 
an eye of faith, to that glorious habitation 
whose walls are salvation and its gates praise, 
we are made willing to endure all things to 
obtain an entrance thereinto. O may I, with 
more fervency of spirit, pursue the strait and 
narrow path that leadeth to this heavenly city, 
not one of whose inhabitants can say, " I am 
sick." 

19th. Some gratitude, I trust, is felt for the 
strength afforded, both bodily and mental. 
May I possess a grateful heart for my many 
unmerited comforts. When I reflect on the 
situation of the poor who are obliged to labour 
for their daily support, and that too, perhaps, 
under considerable bodily weakness, my heart 
is made to feel for them, and to utter the lan- 
guage, " Not more than others I deserve, but 
God has given me more ;" and the query now 
instructively arises, " What hast thou that thou 
hast not received'?" 



70 MEMORANDUMS OF 

Seventh mo. 29th. Whilst the natural eye is 
delighting itself with surrounding objects, and 
the heart is set upon them, we may forget how 
soon it will be closed forever. '' Then shall the 
dust return to the earth as it was, and the spirit 
shall return to God who gave it." This short 
quotation may suffice to show us the vanity of 
setting our affections on earthly things, things 
that perish with the using, instead of seeking 
heavenly treasure. 

Ninth mo. 6ih. " Blessed is the man whose 
transgression is forgiven, and whose sin is 
covered : Blessed is the man to whom the Lord 
imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there 
is no guile." I have said in my heart this morn- 
ing, " Lord, help me to attain this blessed state, 
to which no man can come but through thy aid. 
Thou canst strengthen the weakest of the flock, 
to follow thee, whithersoever thou mayst be 
pleased to lead. 

26th. O thou long suffering and merciful 
Lord God, be pleased to hear my supplication 
for daily and hourly preservation from every 



JANE BETTLE. 71 

thing hurtful in word or thought. I desire to 
thank thee for the present feeHng that of myself 
I can do nothing. Strengthen nne, O Lord, I 
pray thee, to press through every crowd of 
opposition which the enemy of our peace is 
placing in my way Zionward. 

Tenth mo. 7th. The Lord is good and 
greatly to be praised. He heareth our feeble 
petitions, and regardeth our low estate. Our 
manifold transgressions are not hid from him, 
for his penetrating eye pervades all space, 
beholding the evil and the good. Through his 
matchless mercy, his unworthy creatures are 
made partakers of his benefits ; at seasons they 
experience his judgments to be mixed with 
mercy, and the hand of affliction is laid upon 
them as a blessing in disguise, which when 
rightly submitted to, raises in the heart the 
acknowledgment, "Lord, we desire to thank 
thee for the bitter cup as well as the sweet ; thy 
rod as well as thy staff comforts us." 

Eleventh mo. 5th. This day is our Quarterly 
meeting, and as usual, through infirmity, I am 



72 MEMORANDUMS OF 

confined to nny chamber. The prayer of my 
heart is, may the Lord be with those assembled 
to transact the important business of the day; 
for without the aid of his Spirit, nothing can be 
performed to the honour of Truth ; but when the 
will of man is laid prostrate, as in the dust, then 
the weak are made strong, and the cause of 
Truth prospers. 

Twelfth mo. 9lh. Encourasrement is afforded 
in the remembrance of the declaration, *' My 
grace is sufficient for thee." It is indeed by 
grace we are saved, through faiih; not by acts 
of righteousness or merits of our own, but 
by the merits and mercies of the Lord our 
Saviour. 

23rd. Good is the Lord, and ever worthy ; 
worthy to be magnified, worshipped and adored, 
saith my soul. When weakness both of body 
and mind has been my portion, he has not 
forsaken me. 

1839. First mo. 6th. I desire reverently to 
bow before thee, thou everlasting Father and 



JANE BETTLE. 73 

Prince of peace, and acknowledge my unwor- 
thiness of the manifold kindnesses bestowed 
upon me. Enable me to double diligence, in 
watchfulness and prayer, that I may fight the 
good fight and keep the faith ; without which it 
is impossible to please thee. 

13th. My bodily strength has gradually 
increased during the past year, so as to enable 
me to get up and down stairs with less fatigue 
than at any period since my confinement, now 
more than six years. For this, and very many 
other unmerited favours, I desire to give thanks. 

Second mo. 28th. Thankful, I trust, for the 
crumb of heavenly bread received. I feel as 
though I know not how to number as I ought, 
all my blessings, spiritual and temporal. Dear- 
est Lord, be pleased to strengthen me day by 
day, to draw nearer unto thee. 

Fourth mo. 8th. In passing through this 
probationary state of existence, we are subject 
to many infirmities of body and mind, and ex- 
cept the Lord help us, vain is the help of man. 

7 



74 MEMORANDUMS OF 

We have a merciful High Priest, touched with 
the feeUng of our infirmities, and the prevailing 
language of my heart at the present moment is, 
*' Strive to draw near unto him." " I will sing 
of mercy and j udgment ; unto thee, Lord, will 
I sing." 

16th. Alone in my chamber this evening. 
Some sweet and quiet moments were experi- 
enced, which is indeed an unmerited favour. 
May proportionate gratitude be felt. " Lord, 
make me to know mine end, and the measure 
of my days, what it is, that I may know how 
frail I am. Behold thou hast made my days as 
an hand-breadth, and mine age is as nothing 
before thee. Surely every man at his best 
estate is altogether vanity." We ought daily 
to keep in view the brevity of human life, and 
be engaged in preparing for that which is 
everlasting. May this be my every day work. 

Fifth mo. 2nd. O Lord, upon thy goodness 
and mercy we depend for bread to sustain both 
soul and body : be thou pleased to strengthen 
me to pray avaihngly unto Thee, who art a 



JANE SETTLE. 75 

God hearing and answering prayer ; thoa know- 
est my poverty, and want of all things, before I 
ask of thee. I know not how to pray aright 
except thou teach me. 

7th. The desire of my heart is after good, 
although feeble and sensible that of myself I can 
do nothing. Whilst dwelling on my helpless 
condition, the promise of the dear Redeemer 
was brought into view, " Ask and it shall be 
given you ; seek and ye shall find ; knock, and 
it shall be opened unto you." I was comforted 
in the remembrance of the promises, and believe 
that if we ask aright, our petitions will be 
granted ; but it must be in faith nothing waver- 
ing. 

Sixth mo. Humbled under a sense of my 
short comings, and of covenants frequently- 
broken, making work for repentance. O for 
more watchfulness in the time to come, fighting 
the good fight of faith. 

16th. In the midst of poverty and weakness 
the acknowledgment is raised, " The Lord hath 



76 MEMORANDUMS OF 

dealt bountifully with me." He is a present 
help in time of need, even if every earthly prop 
should be removed ; the same yesterday, to-day 
and forever ; a teacher that cannot be removed 
into a corner. May I daily strive to become a 
better scholar in the school of Christ, learning 
my lessons perfectly. 

Sixth mo. 23d. I desire to be thankful for a 
little improvement in my health. My time has 
been unexpectedly lengthened out, vi^hilst we 
almost daily hear of some friend or acquain- 
tance called from their labours in the militant 
church. May I double diligence in labouring 
to make my calling and election sure. 

Seventh mo. 7th. Lord, thou art good, thy 
mercy endureth forever. Well is it for us, 
poor erring mortals, that the eye of the Lord 
continually beholds us, reproving for evil, and 
affording peace for well doing. May gratitude 
and praise be rendered unto Him forever and 
ever, saith my soul. 

17th. Good is the Lord and merciful : his 



JANE BETTLE. 



77 



loving kindness is great to the children of men. 
I beheve we have all repeatedly and intelligibly 
heard the voice of the Son of God saying, 
*' This is the way, walk in it ;" but the desire 
to choose for ourselves a way that does not 
require so much self-denial, produces unspeak- 
able loss. That peace which the world cannot 
give is not ours, because we refuse to walk in 
the strait and narrow way which only leadeth 
unto life and peace. 

29th. In a short note dated 23rd of last 
month, some improvement in my health is 
mentioned, but not with any expectation of life 
being long continued. The feeling accompany- 
ing my mind this morning is, that my stay here 
will be short, and the inmost desire of my heart 
is, that it may be purified, and that the watch 
may be strictly kept, living each day as though 
it were my last. I know that of myself I can 
do nothing, yet the Lord Jesus, our merciful 
Redeemer, will not turn a deaf ear, nor refuse 
to hear the cries of the sincere in heart who put 
their whole trust in Him. 

7* 



78 MEMORANDUMS OF 

Eighth mo. 18th. Through the bubbling up 
of the water of life, as in a dry and barren land, 
I was favoured to feel the spirit of supplication. 
Lord, unto thee I cry for that bread and for 
that water which can alone sustain the immortal 
part, and enable me, under the pressure of bodily 
and mental affliction, to offer the tribute of 
thanksgiving and praise unto Thee, in whom 
are the issues of life. 

Ninth mo. 2?d. The loving kindness, long- 
suffering and tender mercy of the Lord our 
God, are very great. He continues to follow 
his rebellious creature man, through all the 
paths of error into which he wanders. I have 
said in my heart, what shall I render unto Thee 
for all thy benefits ? Thou hast been a present 
helper through every conflict of mind and body, 
enabling me to adopt the language, " My soul 
doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit doth 
rejoice in God my Saviour." O may the few 
remaining days of my sojourn here, be passed 
in watchfulness and prayer. 

Tenth mo. 10th. "Blessed are the poor in 



JANE BETTLE. 79 

spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." 
May I labour more earnestly to become one of 
the happy number included in this blessing. 
May a proper guard be placed at every avenue 
that the enemy enter not. It is by Him only 
who pronounced the blessing, that man can 
enter the fold of rest. 

Eleventh mo. 4th. This day our Quarterly 
Meeting is held. May the great Head of the 
church be in the midst of those assembled, and 
may they be careful to ask counsel of him, not 
leaning to their ov^n understandings. Great 
danger attends, when man, in his own wisdom, 
attempts to meddle in church government. It 
makes sad work for the true burden bearers, 
who are labouring for the prosperity of Zion, 
and the enlargement of her borders. 

26th. Poor and needy, with nothing to 
depend on but thy mercy, O Lord, I am embol- 
dened to look toward thy holy hill. Be thou 
pleased to grant my sincere though feeble 
petition, to retain a record in thy book of life. 
I feel myself unworthy of such mercy, yet 



80 MEMORANDUMS OF 

remembering thy goodness in healing the sick, 
restoring sight to the blind, unstopping the 
deaf ears, and causing the lame to walk, I am 
encouraged still to hope in thee, thou great 
Physician of value, to help me through this vale 
of tears. 

Twelfth mo. 12th. The Lord is my refuge 
in the day of trouble, a sure hiding place from 
the storm and the tempest : thanks to his ever 
excellent name, he careth even for the sparrows. 

1840. First mo. 1st. The close of the past 
and opening of the new year, have produced 
many serious reflections. During the past how 
many have been taken from time, to give an 
account of the deeds done in the body. We 
that remain have great need, oftener than the 
morning and evening, to examine our accounts 
and see how they stand. We have no lease of 
life ; the present moment only is ours; the next 
we may hear the solemn sound, " Steward, give 
an account of thy stewardship, for thou shall be 
no longer steward." Lord, help me to pray 
aright. I know thou art a God hearing prayer, 



JANE SETTLE. 81 

and answering in thine own time : just and true 
are all thy ways, thou King of saints. 

12th. The family at meeting, and I alone in 
my chamber. Here I have often experienced a 
renewal of strength, and I hope it will not be 
presumptuous to say, the Lord hath mercifully 
helped me to offer the tribute of worship and 
praise to his excellent name. Of ourselves, 
unaided by the Spirit of our God, we can do 
nothing to profit. 

26th. A feeling of great poverty, but that I 
am not forsaken, has this day been my expe- 
rience ; thanks be to the unslumbering Shepherd 
of Israel therefor. 

Second mo. 2nd. May I be strengthened 
diligently to labour, pressing toward the mark 
for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ 
Jesus our Lord ; that at the end of the race I 
may be permitted to enter his kingdom, where 
the wicked cease from troubling and the weary 
are at rest. May I strive to keep up the war- 
fare until the victory is accomplished. 



82 MEMORANDUMS OF 

19th. " Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all 
that is within me, bless his holy name." This 
portion of the sacred volume has brought to 
my remembrance the countless mercies and 
unmerited favours bestowed upon me, from 
early youth to the present day. Surely I am 
deeply involved, and have nothing of my own 
to cancel the debt ; nevertheless a little hope 
presents that strength will be afforded to dig 
and to beg, through the aid of our great High 
Priest, who knoweth what we have need of 
before we ask him. 

The last memorandum she made, which was 
a few weeks before her decease, is as follows, 
viz. : 

Third mo. 5th. O that I was worthy to tread 
thy courts, Lord God of Hosts. Feed me, I 
pray thee, with food convenient for me. One 
crumb of heavenly bread is worth more than all 
earthly dainties. My life has been lengthened 
far beyond my expectation, and my desire is, 
to be found daily watching and praying for 
strength, that I may be kept from sliding from 



JANE BETTLE. 83 

the Rock of my salvation, and become more 
firmly fixed thereupon. 



Nearly eight years had now elapsed since 
this patient and uncomplaining sufferer had 
been confined, mostly to her chamber, and at 
times to her bed. During this protracted period 
she had not only endured much pain from the 
peculiar and unusual character of her disease, 
but from the train of distressing symptoms which 
it induced. One of these was the dropsy, by 
which her limbs and body were greatly dis- 
tended, and her breathing oppressed. Twice 
she underwent the operation of tapping, with a 
view of mitigating her sufferings ; when the 
quantity of fluid abstracted was surprisingly 
great. Her uniformly calm and cheerful tem- 
perament of mind did not forsake her on these 
occasions ; and although it was feared the 
operation, which necessarily occupied consi- 
derable time, might be more than her feeble 
frame could support, yet she evinced neither 



84 MEMORANDUMS OF 

uneasiness nor alarm. Indeed, it may truly be 
said, that the Christian virtues shone with mild 
and steady brightness throughout her long 
seclusion ; nothing like a disposition to murmur 
or repine at her lot, being ever visible ; but 
with cheerful resignation, and grateful acknow- 
ledgment of the mercies and favours she 
enjoyed, she yielded herself to the disposal 
of an all wise Providence. The sense of her 
own sufferings, great as they appeared to 
those around her, seemed very much absorbed 
in her affectionate concern for others ; often 
remarking how much they had to do in kindly 
caring for her, and ministering to her wants. 

Notwithstanding there were intervals of com- 
parative amendment in the state of her health, 
yet the disease never left her; but gradually 
undermined her constitution and weakened her 
energies, so that it was obvious for some months 
before the close, that the period of her release 
was approaching. On one occasion, when 
enduring much suffering, it was proposed to 
try some means for her relief, to which she 
calmly replied, " It seems hardly worth while ; 
considering the short time I shall want these 



JANE BETTLE. 8B 

accommodations," and after a pause, she added, 
" When I consider the blameless Lamb of God, 
who bore our sins in his own body on the tree, 
my own light afflictions seem not worthy to be 
spoken of." 

Although wholly deprived of the opportunity 
of going out to mingle with her friends in social 
or religious intercourse, her interest in the con- 
cerns of Society and the welfare of individuals 
was not lost, indeed it may be said, not abated ; 
and she had often a word of affectionate admo- 
nition, encouragement or caution, to address to 
those who visited her. 

The prosperity of the blessed cause of Truth 
and the Vv^elfare of her own religious Society, 
continued as dear to her as ever, and she entered 
with hvely feelings, into whatever affected either. 
" I have sometimes almost wondered," said she, 
on one occasion, " at my long continuance in 
my present feeble condition, very much shut 
out, as it seems to me, from opportunities of 
usefulness, but I think I may say that my prayers 
are very often offered up on behalf of my own 
family, and of the church." 

In a memorandum made the 29th of Seventh 

8 



86 MEMORANDUMS OF 

month, 1839, the reader will observe she remarks 
that " the feeling of her mind is, that her stay 
here will be short." For some weeks previous 
to her decease, this feehng appeared to become 
more clear and strong, and on the 28th of Third 
month, 1840, being asked how she was, she 
replied, " I am as well as I expect to be. I 
think I shall not be long with you : but it is not 
best for us to be too anxious about the time of 
our being called home." After a quiet interval, 
she proceeded, " I do not think it best to be too 
gloomy, but as our day's work goes on, to 
wear the aspect of cheerfulness. I have very 
many outward blessings ; a kind husband and 
children, and family, and much to love and 
enjoy ; but my concern is so to live and watch, 
that when summoned to leave them, I may ren- 
der in my account with joy and not with grief. 
But in order to attain this state, we must expe- 
rience many deep baptisms ; and much of the 
searching and purifying operation must be sub- 
mitted to. I think I may say that even in my 
lowest moments, when the billows have seemed 
to arise and the storm to beat, I have never 
entirely lost my hold upon the anchor, the hope 



JANE BETTLE. 87 

in Jesus, finding it, even in such seasons, both 
sure and stedfast." 

Humbled under a sense of her own unwor- 
thiness, and of the greatness and majesty of 
Him who dwelleth on high, whose name is 
holy, she was deeply bowed under a sense of 
his adorable condescension, in so marvellously 
caring for, and sustaining her, during her long 
season of bodily infirmity ; and on one occasion 
she thus gave utterance to her feehngs ; "When 
we consider the greatness of Him, without 
whom not a sparrow falls, what cause for 
thankfulness have we for his care over us." 

As the last conflict of nature approached, He 
who had long graciously sustained and consoled 
her, was mercifully near, calming and upholding 
her departing spirit, and enabling her to evince, 
even amid the decay of expiring nature, that 
there is a blessed and holy reality in the 
Christian faith, and that it is safe and sufficient 
for the soul to rest upon, even in the hour of 
death. 

On the 4th of the Fourth month, in the course 
of a serious conversation with her husband, she 
said, " I have for some time felt as if the period 



88 MEMORANDUMS OF 

of my continuing here was drawing to a close, 
and this feehng increases. I have been endea- 
vouring to give up all, and to lay every thing at 
the feet of my merciful and blessed Saviour ; 
and poor as I am, and at times low in faith 
and patience, I have never had my trust and 
confidence in him removed." Pausing a few 
minutes, as if in the fresh feeling of that precious 
faith and confidence which the Lord Jesus gives 
to his believing disciples, she added with much 
fervour, " He will be with me, I feel assured, 
through the valley and shadow of death." 

On the 12th, her mind being very tranquil, 
and her faculties unclouded, it was remarked 
to her as a great mercy ; she replied, " I esteem 
it a very great favour indeed. I have loved the 
Lord Jesus from an early period of my life, 
until the present day, and he has not forsaken 
me; and notwithstanding my short comings, I 
have hope in him. But it is not by any acts of 
risjhteousness that we have done, but of his mere 
mercy, that he saveth us." 

She had for some time apprehended that her 
dissolution would take place when her family 
were not looking for it, and the event proved 



JANE BETTLE. 89 

SO. Her pain appearing to be more severe 
than usual, she sv/eetly remarked, with a 
pleasant countenance, " these Hght afflictions are 
but for a moment," and about 4 o'clock on the 
morning of the 13th of Fourth month, 1840, 
she slept quietly for half an hour, and on 
waking, gently passed away, without any strug- 
gle, we beheve, to an inheritance incorruptible, 
undefiled, and that fadeth not away, laid up in 
heaven for the righteous. 



One of the prominent traits in the character 
of Jane Bettle, was the tender attachment and 
interest she manifested for those in the early 
walks of life. Her heart and her house were 
ahke open to receive them ; she entered feelingly 
into their trials and temptations, and often 
found opportunities of expressing to them her 
affectionate soHcitude for their best welfare, 
either in the language of encouragement, of 
admonition, or reproof; and the kind and 
Christian manner in which this was imparted 

8* 



90 MEMORANDUMS OF 

generally made its way to the heart, and secured 
for her a place in their regard and esteem. 

During her long confinement, her concern 
for this interesting class of society continued 
unabated ; and on one occasion she penned the 
following address, which it has been thought, 
might with propriety be introduced here. 



" An affectionate Address to the Youth of 

THE RELIGIOUS SoCIETY OF FrIENDS. 

" Earnest are my desires that our beloved 
young people would be willing to listen to the 
voice of the dear Redeemer. His gracious 
invitation still continues to be, ' Come unto me, 
all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I 
will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, 
and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in 
heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls: 
for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.' 
Many there are in the present day, who seem 
not disposed to close in with this invitation, 



JANE BETTLE. 



91 



preferring the delusive pleasures of this transi- 
tory and perishing world to the eternal and 
unfading joys of heaven. I feel for such as are 
in captivity ; such are under the influence of the 
prince of the power of the air, who is seeking to 
rob the precious young people of that heavenly 
treasure which is laid up in store for all those 
who love the appearing of the Lord Jesus, and 
who like Mary of old, sit at his feet to hear the 
gracious words which proceed out of his mouth. 
" His inspeaking voice is still uttering the 
gracious invitation, * Come unto me, and I will 
give you rest.' I believe there are seasons, 
when some of those who seem to be pursuing 
sin pleasing gratifications, are made to pause a 
little, and feel, at least for the moment, a weight 
of condemnation consequent upon following the 
paths of dissipation and vanity, and are made 
secretly to exclaim, ' My vain pursuits rob me 
of true and solid enjoyment in the Hfe that now 
is, and if persisted in, will finally separate me 
from the love of God in Christ Jesus, and from 
an inheritance among those, who through sub- 
mission to his holy cross, are sanctified, and 
made partakers of an endless life, in the realms 



92 MEMORANDUMS OF 

of everlasting blessedness.' O, saith my spirit, 
that the children of beheving parents, who have 
had nfiuch religious instruction, and have often 
witnessed the tears of anxious solicitude to flow 
on their behalf, would be persuaded to forsake 
youthful vanities, and come taste of the sweet 
fruits of obedience, which some have been 
partakers of, even to the latest period of life. 

*'One of the commandments of Holy Writ 
is, ' Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy 
days may be long upon the land which the 
Lord thy God giveth thee.' This is the first 
commandment, with promise. And again; 
* Children obey your parents in the Lord, for 
this is right.' Many sons and daughters would 
no doubt disclaim the charge of not loving their 
parents, and be ready to say, ' This does not 
apply to me, although I do indulge in some 
things that my parents disapprove ; and I must 
enjoy them a little longer.' But let such 
remember, that if children truly love and honour 
their parents, the fruits of it would appear in 
acts of obedience ; in the endeavour to soothe 
and comfort their declining years, and in making 
them their most intimate and confidential friends, 



JANE BETTLE. 93 

to be consulled first on all occasions. Where 
this freedom does not exist, and parental counsel 
is rejected and set at nought, it is evident that 
true love, honour, and obedience, are not 
cherished in the hearts of children. What 
apathy and coldness must have taken possession 
of the mind of a child, when days almost 
without number are passed over, regardless of 
the most tender entreaties, and the reasonable 
requisitions, of parents! 

" It is of great importance that children, even 
at an early period of life, should consult their 
pious parents in the choice of companions, with 
whom they may safely and profitably enter into 
habits of social intercourse ; as well as in the 
selection of books which are suitable for them 
to read. Time is too precious to be wasted 
in reading the pernicious publications which 
abound in our day. That which is so spent, 
may not only be accounted lost, but the mind is 
left so barren and destitute of all that is good, 
that little or no relish remains for perusing the 
Holy Scriptures, or the writings of our primitive 
Friends: the loss thus sustained, is indeed 
incalculable. 



94 MEMORANDUMS OF 

" There are rich treasures to be obtained in 
rehgious retirenaent, and in the serious reading 
of the sacred volume, with a heart hunabled 
before Him uho seeth in secret, and will 
reward openly. Hevenly treasure is offered to 
the acceptance of all who hear and attend to 
the voice of Wisdom ; who saith, * I love them 
that love me, and those that seek me early shall 
find me. Riches and honour are with me ; yea, 
durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is 
better than gold, yea, than fine gold, and my 
revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way 
of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of 
judgment, that I may cause those that love 
me to inherit substance. I will fill their trea- 
sures.' 

" In the Lord, Most High, there is no variable- 
ness, neither shadow of turning. Truth is the 
same, yesterday, to-day, and forever. Our 
worthy predecessors, in the early days of our 
rehgious Society, embraced the Truth in the 
love of it ; and the Christian doctrines and pre- 
cepts which they held forth to the world, are in 
strict accordance with those of the Apostles and 
other faithful followers of our dear Redeemer. 



JANE BETTLE. 95V 

There is no easier way for the Christian traveller 
than the way of the cross ; and may their suc- 
cessors in religious profession, be willing to 
accept the terms of discipleship, as they did. 
They purchased, through much suffering, the 
pearl of great price. They sought not the praise 
of men, nor the honour or profits of this world, 
but were willing to suffer persecution for the 
Truth's sake, and for the testimony of a good 
conscience. They cheerfully parted, not only 
with their outward liberty and substance, but 
from the nearest connexions in life, suffering 
imprisonment and reproach in various ways, 
because they had conscientiously separated 
themselves from the forms of worship used by 
those around them, and held their meetings for 
Divine worship apart. Sometimes they were 
gathered in reverential silence before God, 
while at other times a stream of pure gospel 
ministry flowed among them, not in the enticing 
words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration 
of the spirit and power of Him, from whom 
they received their gifts. 

" I have felt deeply concerned lest some who 
profess to be of the same people, and who are 



96 MEMORANDUMS OF 

called by the same name, for want of keeping 
close to the indwelUng gift of the Holy Spirit 
in our religious meetings, find it hard work to 
endure silence. The practice of holding our 
meetings frequently in silence, has, from the 
beginning, distinguished our religious Society 
from all others. I have no doubt, if true, 
inward, reverential silence were sufficiently 
sought after, when we assemble, professedly for 
Divine worship, the Lord would proclaim such 
a silence, and graciously condescend to teach 
his people himself This would have a powerful 
effect on the minds of those who come and sit 
with us, and be the means, under the Divine 
blessing, of opening their understandings to 
discover the true ground of our objection to set 
forms of worship, and to sermons and prayers 
deUvered in the will and wisdom of man. Thus 
would their hearts be prepared to understand 
the declaration that ' God is a spirit, and they 
that worship him must worship him in spirit 
and in truth ;' and to see that this worship can 
be performed without the medium of words. 

" Human wisdom and learning are not neces- 
sary in preparing and qualifying any for the 



JANE BETTLE. 97 

work of the gospel ministry ; the call and 
qualification for this responsible and dignified 
office, must be derived from Him by whom the 
gospel dispensation was ushered in. 

" I have long been persuaded that if our dear 
youth, and some who are further advanced in 
life, would endeavour to become thoroughly 
acquainted with the nature of that holy profes- 
sion which we, as a religious Society, make to 
the world, and were rightly concerned to walk 
agreeably thereto, they would not violate our 
testimony against a hireling and man-made min- 
istry, or attend at meetings where it is allowed. 

" The coming of others to sit with us in our 
religious assemblies, differs widely from our 
going to them. They hold no testimony which 
is violated by such a course, nor any principle 
which is thereby compromised. The positive 
injunction given by our blessed Saviour to his 
Apostles, on sending them forth to preach, was, 
" Freely ye have received, freely give." This 
command, we believe to be of sacred obliga- 
tion to the present day, as regards spiritual 
gifts ; and those who are entrusted with a gift 
in the ministry of the gospel of life and salva- 

9 



DS MEMORANDUMS OF 

tion, ought to minister only " in the ability 
which God giveth," seeking no other reward 
than that of a peaceful mind, in having done the 
will of Him, from whom every good and per- 
fect gift Cometh. With such as these, there 
will be no preaching for hire, no looking to man 
for gain, no dependance upon education or 
learning to fit them for the ministry of the 
gospel of Christ Jesus our Lord, who ' when 
he ascended up on high, led captivity captive, 
and gave gifts unto men.' * Freely ye have 
received, freely give.' May the day be 
hastened, when this injunction will be felt and 
acknowledged as obligatory by all who profess 
themselves to be ministers of the gospel. 

" Strong is the desire of my heart that those 
in the younger walks of life may embrace the 
Truth in the love of it, and in its own sweetness 
and simplicity. We profess to be a self-deny- 
ing people, but what will profession do for any 
of us, without possession. Let the question be 
individually asked, what is it that truly adorns 
and give lustre to the Christian character? 
Surely it is not an outward adorning, but * the 
ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is, 



JANE SETTLE. 99 

in the sight of God, of great price.' Alas! 
how does practice differ from profession in the 
conduct of many of the members of our reli- 
gious Society, who are not to be distinguished 
either by their dress or address, from those who 
do not profess the necessity of taking up the 
cross to the changeable fashions, vain customs 
and maxims of this perishing world. Yet my 
consoling belief is, that some among our dear 
young Friends are bowing their hearts to the 
yoke of Christ, and are desirous to be instructed 
in his school, where they will be made wise 
unto salvation, and fitted for his blessed work 
and service. These awakened ones are no lon- 
ger willing to live only to themselves, but seek 
to know their heavenly Master's will, and do it. 
" In the ordering of human affairs, it is beau- 
tiful to see every man standing contentedly in 
his lot, and moving in the Divine fear and coun- 
sel, in performing the duties assigned him. 
While the mind is thus occupied, selfishness and 
self-consequence will disappear, and humility, 
true benevolence, and enlargement of under- 
standing, will be found in the place thereof. An 
early surrender of the whole heart unto the 



100 MEMORANDUMS OF 

Lord is obligatory on all ; but many withhold 
the sacrifice, doing violence to their better 
feelings, and forgetting the injunction of Holy 
Scripture, ' Remember now thy Creator in the 
days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, 
nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, 
I have no pleasure in them.' Be assured, my 
dear young Friends, that seasons may come, 
even in youth, which will be as evil days, 
wherein the disconsolate soul will be ready to 
exclaim, * I have no pleasure in them ;' when 
things comparable to the grasshopper will be a 
burden ; when the silken cord is about to be 
loosed, on which the present uncertain life is 
suspended, and the dust to return to the earth 
as it was, and the spirit ascend unto God who 
gave it. 

*' To conclude ; for our beloved young people 
I have long felt a deep and affectionate solici- 
tude; to them my heart and my house have 
ever been open; and may they accept the word 
of tender admonition, to remember that the 
iud^jments of the Lord are asjainst all who walk 

JO o 

in the counsel of their own hearts, and in the 
gratification of their own desires." 



JANE BETTLE. 101 



MEMORIAL. 



Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of Friends 
of Philadelphia^ held Third inonth 25th, 1841, 
concerning our deceased Friend Jane Bettle. 

Amidst the various conflicts which attend 
the Christian life, those who are humbly endea- 
vouring to walk in the path cast up for the 
redeemed of the Lord, are, at times encouraged 
to press toward the mark for the prize of their 
high calHng, by contemplating the example of 
those faithful servants who, through the mercy 
of God in Christ Jesus, have been strengthened 
to hold out to the end, and having finished their 
course with joy, have entered into the rest pre- 
pared for the people of God. In the belief that 
it may thus prove edifying and instructive to 
survivors, we are engaged to preserve a memo- 
rial concerning our late beloved friend Jane 
Bettle, a member and elder of this meeting. 

9* 



102 MEMORIAL CONCERN [NG 

She was the daughter of Thomas and Jane 
Temple, of Kennet, in Chester county, Penn- 
sylvania ; of whose watchful and pious care in 
instructing her in the Christian doctrines and 
testimonies professed by our religious Society, 
she often spoke in after life, with lively recol- 
lection and grateful acknowledgment. In her 
very young years, she was favoured with the 
tendering visitations of the love of God to her 
soul, and being strengthened, in good degree, 
to yield obedience thereto, she was induced to 
turn away from the vanities and follies incident 
to the period of youth, and experienced the truth 
of the Scripture testimony, " The fear of the 
Lord is a fountain of life, preserving from the 
snares of death." In commemorating the good- 
ness and mercy of Israel's Shepherd, who thus 
watched over her, she remarks : " The Lord 
graciously condescended to call me at so early 
a period in life, that like Samuel of old, I scarce- 
ly knew who it was that called me. But in his 
adorable mercy, he continued his calls, until he 
made me to understand his voice; bade me 
beware of the voice of strangers, and strength- 
ened me, from season to season, to follow him ; 



JANE BETTLE. 103 

by which I was prevented from falling into 
many youthful temptations." 

One of the early fruits of this surrender of 
her will to the guidance of the Spirit of Truth, 
was a scrupulous regard to the wishes of her 
piously concerned parents, and a ready com- 
pliance with their commands ; the recollection 
of which, during her last illness, appears to 
have afforded her solid satisfaction. To this 
subject she thus alludes; "I have often felt 
thankful for the instructions received from my 
dear parents in early life. I believe I may 
say without boasting, that by the help of my 
heavenly Father, their counsel was, in a good 
degree, kept to. I did not feel myself at liberty 
to put on apparel, or to make choice of asso- 
ciates, without their entire approbation ; and I 
had sometimes to say to my young friends, that 
in so doing, they also would find safety and 
peace. As I advanced in years, the obligation 
to consult them in all my pursuits, seemed as 
imperative as ever, being careful not to make 
up my own mind until I had heard their's ; which 
I believe, was a means of preserving me from 



104 MEMORIAL CONCERNING 

many follies, and affords me consolation to the 
present day." 

Her natural disposition was mild, affectionate 
and equable, and being sanctified by Divine 
grace, it greatly endeared her to her friends 
and neighbours, amongst whom, under the influ- 
ence of Christian love, she was much devoted 
in administering to the wants, and alleviating 
the sufferings, of the sick and the afflicted. 
Continuing in a humble, watchful frame of 
mind, under the preparing hand of the Lord, as 
she advanced in years, she grew in religious 
experience, and became increasingly concerned 
for the support of the cause of Truth ; and 
being exemplary and consistent in her appear- 
ance and demeanor, she was early brought into 
usefulness in her monthly and quarterly meet- 
ings. 

In the year 1802, she was married to our 
friend Samuel Bettle, and settled within the 
limits of this monthly meeting. In her family 
she was an example of meekness and circum- 
spection ; diligent in the attendance of our 
religious meetings ; careful to maintain our 
testimony to Christian simplicity, and to endea- 



JANE BETTLE. 105 

vour to train up her children in the nurture and 
admonition of the Lord. Being thus rehgiously 
engaged to fulfil her various social and relative 
duties, and patiently enduring those baptisms 
which are necessary to qualify for service in 
the church, she was united with the living 
members in labouring for the promotion of the 
cause of truth and righteousness, and gradually 
prepared and strengthened to stand as a bur- 
den-bearer in the Lord's house. 

Being appointed to the station of an over- 
seer, her mind was deeply impressed with a 
sense of the responsibility of the service, and 
she was engaged to wait for Divine abihty, in 
her endeavours to discharge this important 
trust. She was often engaged to admonish or 
caution such as she thought in danger of being 
drawn aside ; which being done in an affec- 
tionate manner, found its way to the heart, and 
made an impression that was not soon effaced. 
As an elder, to which station she was subse- 
quently appointed, it was her concern to be 
preserved in a lively sense of the nature of the 
calling, and by a stedfast rehance upon Him 
from whom the gift comes, to receive a quali- 



106 MEMORIAL CONCERNING 

fication to occupy it to his honour, and the 
edification of the body. 

To the humble, diffident traveller, she was 
frequently engaged to extend a word of 
encouragement, whilst those who evinced a 
forward and unsanctified spirit, were tenderly, 
yet plainly, admonished by her. Much of her 
time and strength were devoted to the services 
of our Society, being cheerfully given up thereto. 
On one occasion she was absent from home a 
year, accompanying a minister from abroad in 
a religious visit to some parts of this continent, 
and although, during this arduous service she 
underwent many baptisms and trials, yet the 
retrospect of it afforded her the reward of sweet 
peace. 

During the close trials which overtook our 
religious Society in the departure of many of 
the members from its Christian doctrines, and 
their consequent secession, she stood firm to the 
ancient principles of Truth, and patiently bore 
her part in the burden and reproaches of the 
day. Being grounded, by heartfelt conviction, 
in a belief of the authenticity and Divine autho- 
rity of the Holy Scriptures, the divinity of the 



JANE BETTLE. 107 

Lord Jesus, and the efficacy of his propitiatory 
offering for the sins of the world, she was 
unwavering in her acknowledgment of these 
fundamental truths, and in her attachment to 
our Christian discipline and testimonies ; and 
without shrinking from the painful duty, she 
laboured in meekness and firmness, with those 
who endeavoured to invalidate these sacred 
truths, and to lay waste the order of the church. 
In the year 1832, whilst travelling as one of 
a committee appointed by the Yearly Meeting, 
to visit its subordinate branches, she perceived 
symptoms of the painful disorder, which soon 
after so increased as to confine her to the house 
for the remainder of her days. During this 
protracted sickness of seven years, there were 
times when her bodily sufferings were great, 
but through the power of Divine grace, she was 
preserved in patience and resignation to the 
Lord's will. She never murmured nor repined 
at pain or privations, but in humble reliance 
upon the sustaining arm of her merciful Re- 
deemer, was enabled calmly to commit herself 
to the ordering of divine Providence, and to 
maintain her wonted cheerfulness and equa- 



108 MEMORIAL CONCERNING 

nimity. In moments of deep bodily affliction, 
her mind was often drawn reverently to com- 
memorate the sufferings of the dear Son of 
God, on behalf of a guilty world ; and on one 
occasion, she expressed herself thus ; " When 
I consider the blameless Lamb of God, who 
bore our sins in his own body on the tree, my 
own light afflictions seem not worthy to be 
spoken of." 

Although deprived of the opportunity of as- 
sembling with her Friends in religious meetings, 
she was frequently engaged in humbly waiting 
upon the Lord for the renewal of her strength ; 
and the daily clothing of her spirit seemed to 
be that of watchfulness and prayer for her own 
advancement in holiness, and for the prosperity 
of the cause of Truth. In some memorandums 
found since her decease, the following remarks 
occur : " Weakness of body and mind pre- 
vails, yet I may, with a degree of thankfulness, 
acknowledge, that while the family are gone to 
the place appointed for public worship, I have 
in my private chamber, witnessed sweet com- 
munion of spirit with Him who is omnipresent ; 
who condescends to our weakness, and strength- 



JANE BETTLE. TOO 

ens us to look towards His holy hill. Through 
this merciful helper of his poor frail creatures, 
we are permitted to behold with the spiritual 
eye, Jerusalem, a quiet habitation, and a place 
of safety, amidst much disquietude which pre- 
vails in the world." In another place, advert- 
ing to the convening of one of our meetings for 
discipline, she remarks : " May the Great Head 
of the church be in the midst of those assem- 
bled ; and may they be careful to ask counsel 
of Him, not leaning to their own understand- 
ings. Great danger attends, when man, in his 
own wisdom, attempts to meddle in church 
government : it makes sad work for the true 
burden-bearers, who are labouring for the pros- 
perity of Zion, and the enlargement of her bor- 
ders." 

On another occasion she observes ; " Not- 
withstanding I have long been deprived of 
assembling with my Friends in social worship, 
I may say of a truth, I am often brought into 
feehng with them ; particularly with the Lord's 
anointed ministers." " When the ministers of 
the Gospel of Christ wait in their gifts for the 
immediate influences of his Spirit, the word will 

10 



110 MEMORIAL CONCERNING 

not return void, whether it be in few expres- 
sions, or greater enlargement, so that all is kept 
in the pure gift. Under this influence, the holy 
unction will be felt by the living members, and 
be made instrumental in awakening those who 
are dead in trespasses and sins ; and without it, 
whatever is spoken, whether less or more, will 
be superficial; burdensome to the living mem- 
bers, and a hurt to the assembly." " I have 
fellowship also with the Lord's anointed elders, 
who, as they keep in their gifts, are made to 
feel deeply together, and to drink together as 
of the same cup. That the precious cement 
which accompanies right exercise, may increase 
in all our religious assemblies, is the fervent 
breathing of my spirit." 

She had long felt a deep and afiectionate 
interest in the welfare of the youth, and by 
her kind counsel and afliible demeanor, had 
gained considerable place in their minds ; and 
during her confinement, her religious concern 
for their best welfare, appears to have remained 
unabated. In one of her memorandums she 
observes : " O, saith my spirit, that the chil- 
dren of believing parents, who have had much 



JANE SETTLE. Ill 

religious instruction, and have often witnessed 
the tears of anxious solicitude to flow on their 
behalf, would be persuaded to forsake youthful 
vanities, and come and taste of the sweet fruits 
of obedience; which some have been partakers 
of, even to the latest period of life." 

The state of her mind during her sickness is 
indicated by the following brief extracts from 
her memorandums. " O, thou inexhaustible 
Source and Fountain of all good, keep me, I 
pray thee, in a state of daily watchfulness, so 
that I may be enabled to follow thee in the 
regeneration ; for without this, dearest Lord, I 
am made .sensible that all pretensions to disci- 
pleship will do nothing for me, in the day of 
awful decision." Again : " Humbled under a 
sense of my entire inability even to think a good 
thought, unaided by Thee, thou fountain of all 
good ; be pleased, in thy matchless mercy, to 
keep me watchful, that I enter not into tempta- 
tion." On another occasion ; " Favoured this 
evening with solemn quiet, in which the spirit 
of supplication, was, I think, livingly felt, with 
thanksgiving for past and present favours ; 
earnestly craving that every succeeding day of 



118 MEMORIAL CONCERNING 

my life may be spent in watchfulness, and fear 
of offending my blessed Saviour and Interces- 
sor, in thought, word or deed." At another 
time she says ; " A song in the night, through 
Divine mercy, is felt to arise to him, who of 
old had power to make the dumb sing, the deaf 
to hear, the blind to see, and the lame to walk. 
Miraculous power! which extends to both body 
and mind; revives the spirits of the weak and 
faint, enabling them to press forward, through 
every crowd of opposition." Again, in speak- 
ing of the Christian's voyage through life, she 
says; "we may very possibly persuade ourselves 
that we are secure, supposing the haven is 
nearly attained ; but alas ! for that individual 
who relaxes in labour, until safely landed on the 
shores of everlasting rest." On another occa- 
sion : *' Thankful, I trust, for the crumb of 
Heavenly bread received. I feel as though I 
knew not how to number, as I ought, all my 
blessings, spiritual and temporal. Dearest 
Lord ! be pleased to strengthen me day by 
day, to draw nearer and nearer to thee." 
Shortly before her decease she writes : " May 
I be strengthened diligently to labour, pressing 



JANE BETTLE. 113 

toward the mark for the prize of the high call- 
ing of God in Christ Jesus our Lord, that at the 
end of the race, I may be permitted to enter his 
kingdom, ' where the wicked cease from trou- 
bling, and the weary are at rest.' " 

For some weeks previous to her close, though 
there was no very striking change in her dis- 
order, her mind was impressed with a belief 
that the event was at hand, and though the inti- 
mation produced much solemnity of feeling, she 
was favoured to receive it with composure, 
and to contemplate her change with joy, in the 
well-grounded hope of a blessed and glorious 
immortality. On the 28th of the Third month, 
1840, she observed ; " I have very many out- 
ward blessings ; much to love and enjoy ; but 
my concern is so to live and watch, that when 
summoned to leave them, I may render my 
account with joy, and not with grief. In order 
to obtain this state, we must experience many 
deep baptisms, and much of the searching and 
purifying operation must be submitted to. I 
think I may .say that in my lowest moments, 
when the billows have seemed to rise, and the 
storm to beat, I have never entirely lost my 



114 MEMORIAL CONCERNING 

hold upon the anchor, the hope in Jesus, finding 
it, even in such seasons, sure and stedfast." On 
another occasion she remarked, " When we 
consider the greatness of Him, without whom 
not a sparrow falls, what cause for thankful- 
ness have we for his care over us, unworthy 
as we are." 

On the 4th of the Fourth month, she said, " I 
have for some time felt as if the period of my 
continuinoj here was drawino^ to a close; and 
this feeling increases. I have been endeavour- 
ing to give up all, and lay every thing at the 
feet of my blessed Saviour ; and poor as I am, 
and at times low in faith and patience, I have 
never had my trust and confidence in him re- 
moved." And after a solemn pause she added ; 
" He will be with me, I feel assured, through 
the valley and shadow of death." Thus as a 
faithful servant, looking for the coming of her 
Lord, she calmly awaited the summons of the 
solemn messenger ; and as her bodily weakness 
and her suflferings increased, she was enabled, 
through the Lord's sustaining power, to evince 
that there is a blessed reality in the Christian 
faith. 



JANE BETTLE. 115 

On the evening of the 12th, her mind being 
very tranquil and collected, and her faculties 
clear, it was remarked to her as a favour; to 
which she replied, " I esteem it a very great 
favour indeed ;" adding, " I have loved the 
Lord Jesus from an early period of my life to 
the present day ; and he has not forsaken me. 
Notwithstanding my short-comings, I have 
hope in Him ; out it is not by any acts of righ- 
teousness that we have done, but of his mercy 
he saveth us." 

As the last conflict of nature approached, her 
pain and bodily distress increased, but she w^as 
mercifully borne above it, and with a pleasant 
countenance observed, " These light afflictions 
are but for a moment ;" — which were her last 
words. She was soon permitted, as we believe, 
to receive that far more exceeding and eternal 
•weight of glory, w^hich they work for the righ- 
teous ; gently passing away, without any strug- 
gle, on the morning of the 13th of the Fourth 
month, 1840, in the 67th year of her age ; leav- 
ing the consoling assurance, that, through the 
mercy of God in Christ Jesus, she has joined 



116 MEMORIAL. 

"the general assembly and Church of the first 
born, which are written in Heaven." 

May her w^atchfulness and circumspection, 
and the peaceful termination of her exemplary 
hfe, be the means of inducing others, and espe- 
cially our beloved young friends, to embrace 
the visitations of Heavenly love, and to submit 
to the refining baptisms of the Holy Spirit ; that 
thus a succession of faithful labourers may be 
raised up ; who, dedicating themselves to the 
Lord and his cause, may be qualified and 
strengthened to " serve their generation accord- 
ing to the will of God ;" so that they also may 
at last receive " the end of their faith, even the 
salvation of their souls." 



^v 



